Classifying Halogenoalkanes

Edexcel AS-level ChemistryHalogenoalkanesLesson 3 of 11

Halogenoalkanes are classified by how many carbon atoms are bonded to the carbon that carries the halogen.

• Primary (1°): the C-X carbon is bonded to one other carbon atom (or none). Examples: bromoethane, CH₃CH₂Br, and 1-bromobutane. Halogenomethanes such as bromomethane, CH₃Br, are also counted as primary.
• Secondary (2°): the C-X carbon is bonded to two other carbon atoms. Example: 2-bromopropane, CH₃CHBrCH₃.
• Tertiary (3°): the C-X carbon is bonded to three other carbon atoms. Example: 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, (CH₃)₃CCl.

More in Halogenoalkanes

• Halogenoalkanes
• Naming Halogenoalkanes
• Reactivity of Halogenoalkanes
• Hydrolysis Reactions
• Comparing the Rates of Hydrolysis
• Nucleophilic Substitution
• Reaction with Alkali
• Reaction with Aqueous Alkali

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