Separate samples of 1-chlorobutane, 1-bromobutane and 1-iodobutane, four drops of each, were added to three different test-tubes that each contained $1.0\,\text{cm}^3$ of aqueous silver nitrate at $60\,^{\circ}\text{C}$. For all three halogenoalkanes, hydrolysis took place. R stands for the butane chain $\text{C}_4\text{H}_9$ and X stands for the halogen atom. $\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{R-X}(l) + \text{Ag}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{R-OH}(aq) + \text{AgX}(s) + \text{H}^+(aq)$ The sequence for how quickly cloudiness appeared in the test-tubes was $\text{RCl} < \text{RBr} < \text{RI}$. Why is this?
- AThe bond energy of R-X decreases from RCl to RI.
- BThe first ionisation energy of the halogen decreases from Cl to I.
- CThe solubility of $\text{AgX}(s)$ decreases from $\text{AgCl}$ to $\text{AgI}$.
- DThe R-X bond polarity decreases from RCl to RI.