Investigate, write equations and construct models to represent the reactions of saturated hydrocarbons when substituted with halogens

Organic Chemistry > Products of Reactions Involving Hydrocarbons >

Halogenation reaction of Alkanes

  • Experiments have shown that to trigger the reactions between halogens and alkanes, UV light is a must. Later as the reactions proceed further, presence of light is not mandatory.
  • An example of alkane halogenation is given as follows:
    1. CH4 + Cl2 = CH3Cl (chloromethane) + HCl
    2. CH3Cl + Cl2 = CH2Cl2 (dichloromethane) + HCl
    3. CH2Cl2 + Cl2 = CHCl3 (trichloromethane) + HCl
    4. CHCl3 + Cl2 = CCl4 (tetrachloromethane) + HCl