Haloalkanes have halogen atoms attached to the sp³ hybridized carbon atom of an alkyl group, while haloarenes have halogen atoms attached to sp² hybridized carbon atom(s) of an aryl group.
What is the difference between haloalkanes and haloarenes in terms of the carbon atom to which the halogen is attached?
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Haloalkanes and haloarenes differ in the type of carbon atom to which the halogen is attached. In haloalkanes, the halogen is bonded to an sp³ hybridized carbon atom, which is part of an aliphatic (non-aromatic) structure. This results in a tetrahedral geometry around the carbon. On the other hand, in haloarenes, the halogen is attached to an sp² hybridized carbon atom, which is part of an aromatic ring structure. This leads to a trigonal planar geometry around the carbon. The distinctive difference lies in the hybridization state and the geometric arrangement of the carbon atom involved in the carbon-halogen bond.