The haloform reaction involves the conversion of methyl ketone to carboxylate ion and haloform. Why do only methyl ketones form haloforms?

• A. Because of the less steric hindrance of the methyl group, only methyl ketones can form a haloform.
• B. Because of their higher electrophilicity, only methyl ketones can form a haloform.
• C. Because only methyl can have three halogen atoms on its α-carbon to form a good leaving group, only methyl ketones can form a haloform.
• D. None of these.

Answer: (C)