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A LevelChemistryEdexcelRevision Notes3. Organic Chemistry3.4 Halogenoalkanes3.4.1 Classifying Halogenoalkanes

Classifying Halogenoalkanes (Edexcel A Level Chemistry)

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Philippa Platt

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Classifying Halogenoalkanes

Naming halogenoalkanes

  • We use the prefixes 
    • Fluoro for fluorine
    • Chloro for chlroine
    • Bromo for bromine
    • Iodo for iodine
  • The name of the halogenoalkane is based on the orignal alkane
    • So CH3CH2CH2Br would be 1-bromopropane 
  • The position of the halogen atom must be taken into account 
    • So CH3CH(Br)CH3 would be 2-bromopropane 
  • Finally the substituents are listed alphabetically
    • So  CH3CH(Cl)CH2Br would be 1-bromo-2-chloropropane 

Classifying halogenoalkanes

  • Halogenoalkanes can be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on the number of carbon atoms attached to the C-X functional group 
    • A primary halogenoalkane is when a halogen is attached to a carbon that itself is attached to one other alkyl group
    • A secondary halogenoalkane is when a halogen is attached to a carbon that itself is attached to two other alkyl groups
    • A tertiary halogenoalkane is when a halogen is attached to a carbon that itself is attached to three other alkyl groups

Halogen Compounds Halogenoalkanes, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Primary, secondary and tertiary halogenoalkanes

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    Philippa Platt

    Author: Philippa Platt

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener.