Energetics of C-F, C-Cl, C-Br, and C-I bonds in 2-haloethanols. Enthalpies of formation of XC[H.sub.2]C[H.sub.2]OH (X=F, Cl, Br, I) compounds and of the 2-hydroxyethyl radical

The energetics of the C F, C-Cl, C-Br, and C-I bonds in 2-haloethanols is examined by employing a combination of experimental and theoretical methods. It is concluded that the major qualitative trends exhibited by the C-X bond dissociation enthalpies for the series of compounds can be predicted by Pauling's electrostatic-covalent model.