3.3.1

Properties of Haloalkanes

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Halogenoalkanes

A halogenoalkane is a halogenated alkane. This means that one (or more) of the hydrogen atoms in an alkane has been replaced by a halogen atom.

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Names of halogenoalkanes

  • The names of halogenoalkanes use the halogen names at the start.
    • E.g. Fluoromethane.
    • E.g. Chloromethane.
    • E.g. Bromomethane.
    • E.g. Iodomethane.
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Properties of halogenoalkanes

  • Halogenoalkanes are polar molecules and contain polar bonds.
  • The polar bonds are important in their reactions.
  • Because halogens are more electronegative than carbon, the carbon atoms carry a partial positive charge and the halogen atoms carry a partial negative charge.
  • Halogenoalkanes undergo substitution reactions with ammonia, hydroxide ions, and cyanide ions.
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Nucleophiles and electrophiles

  • A nucleophile is a molecule that is attracted to a nucleus.
    • Nuclei have positive charges, so nucleophiles tend to be negatively charged.
    • Molecules with lone pairs are also nucleophilic.
  • An electrophile is a molecule that is attracted to a pair of electrons.
    • Electrons have negative charges, so electrophiles tend to be positively charged.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

1.1Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2Atomic Structure

1.3Chemical Bonding

1.4States of Matter

1.5Chemical Energetics

1.6Electrochemistry

1.7Equilibria

1.8Partition Coefficient

1.9Reaction Kinetics

2Inorganic Chemistry

3Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2Hydrocarbons

3.3Halogen Derivatives

3.4Hydroxy Compounds

3.5Carbonyl Compounds

3.6Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7Nitrogen Compounds

3.8Polymerisation

3.9Analytical Techniques

3.10Organic Synthesis

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