Alkyl chlorides, also known as alkyl halides, are organic compounds that contain a carbon chain bonded to one or more chlorine atoms. They are derived from alkanes by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with chlorine. These compounds can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon atom to which the chlorine is attached. Alkyl chlorides are commonly used in various applications, including as solvents, in the production of pharmaceuticals, and in the synthesis of other organic compounds. They can be reactive, participating in substitution and elimination reactions, making them important intermediates in organic chemistry.