An alkyl halide is a type of organic compound that contains a carbon chain (alkyl group) bonded to one or more halogen atoms, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. These compounds are derived from alkanes, where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms. Alkyl halides can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon atom's connectivity to other carbon atoms. Alkyl halides are important in various chemical reactions and are commonly used in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and solvents. They can undergo reactions such as nucleophilic substitution and elimination, making them versatile intermediates in organic synthesis. Their properties and reactivity depend on the type of halogen and the structure of the alkyl group.