Haloalkanes Haloarenes - Meaning, Classification, Properties, FAQs

Haloalkanes Haloarenes - Meaning, Classification, Properties, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:34 PM IST

The hydrocarbons in which one or more than one hydrogen atom is occupied by the halogens are called haloalkanes. When hydrogen is replaced by halogen in the aromatic hydrocarbon is called haloarenes. They are commercially used in fire extinguishers, refrigerants, and pharmaceuticals.

In this article, we will cover the topic of Haloalkanes Haloarenes. This topic falls under the broader category of (Haloalkanes And Haloarenes ), which is a crucial chapter in (Class 12 Chemistry). It is not only essential for board exams but also for competitive exams like the JEE Mains Exam ), National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), and other entrance exams such as SRMJEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, BCECE, and more

This Story also Contains
  1. Halogen Reactions:
  2. Haloarenes
  3. Classification of Halogen derivatives:
  4. Nomenclature of Haloarenes:
  5. Nature of Carbon-Halogen bond in Haloarenes:

Haloalkanes

Classification of haloalkanes:

Classification of Haloalkane

Monohalogen derivatives: When two or more than two hydrogen atoms of aliphatic hydrocarbon are being replaced by the corresponding number of the halo alkane atom for haloalkanes example chlorine, bromine, or iodine, thus the resulting compounds are known as halogen derivatives of alkanes or haloalkanes. Monohalogen derivatives can be seen in both haloalkanes and Haloarenes. These are represented as R-X, where R is the Alkyl group and X=Br, Cl, I.

The general formula for monohalogen derivatives is (CnH2n+1 X).

R-H+X2→R-X+HX, where R-H is Aliphatic Hydrocarbon and R-X, is Alkyl Halide.

For haloalkanes examples: CH3+Cl2→CH3Cl+HCl. All the saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons are called alkanes (CnH2n+2). Also, the halogen atoms contain halogen atoms which are attached to the sp3 hybridized carbon atoms.

  1. Primary Alkyl Halide: Alkyl Halides which has a halogen atom bonded with primary carbon atoms are known as primary alkyl halide. The general formula is given by R-CH2-X.

  2. Secondary Alkyl Halide: Alkyl halide which has a halogen atom bonded with a secondary carbon atom is known as secondary alkyl halide. The general formula is given by R-(R')CH-X.

  3. Tertiary Alkyl Halide: Alkyl Halide which has halogen bonded with primary carbon atoms is known as primary alkyl halide. The general formula is given by R-(R')C(R")-X.

  • Polyhalogen derivatives: Similarly, when more than one atom of hydrogen of alkanes is substituted by the other corresponding number of halogen atoms the following compound is called as polyhalogen derivative of alkanes. Similarly, Polyhalogen derivatives can be seen in both haloalkanes and haloarenes. Further on the basis of the number of halogens present in molecules are classified as follows as:

  1. Dihalogen derivatives: Two hydrogen atoms of alkane which is substituted by the two halogens which form the following compound, and it is called as Dihalogen derivative of alkane. The general formula is given by CnH2nX2. Dihalogen derivatives are further classified into:

  2. Vicinal Dihalides: Two halogen atoms that are present on the adjacent carbon atoms. E.g., Ethylene dichloride.

  3. Geminal Dihalides: Two halogen atoms that are present on the same carbon atom. E.g., Ethylidene dichloride.

  4. Trihalogen derivatives: When three hydrogen of alkane which is substituted by the other three halogen atoms following compound is known as the Trihalogen derivative of the alkane. The general formula is given by CnH2n-1 X3.

  5. Tetrahalogen derivatives: When four hydrogen of alkane which is substituted by other four halogen atoms following compound is known as the Tetrahalogen derivative of alkane. The general formula is given by CnH2n-2X4.

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Halogenation of Alkanes: Replacement of one or more than hydrogen of alkanes by halogen for haloalkanes example Chlorination, Bromination, and Iodination of alkanes. A halogenation reaction is a chain reaction that proceeds by the formation of free radicals. Also, the halogenation reaction is for both haloalkanes and haloarenes.

This halogenation continues till every hydrogen in alkane is replaced by halogen.

  1. Chlorination: When alkanes are heated with chlorine in the presence of UV light or at high temperatures it forms alkyl chlorides. Generally, chlorination is given by

R-H+Cl2+UV Light UV Light→R-Cl+HCl

  1. Bromination: When alkanes are heated with bromine in the presence of aluminum tribromide (any. AlBr3) with the corresponding formation of alkyl bromide. Bromination is given by

R-H+Br2+anhy. AlBr2anhy. AlBr2→R-Br+HBr

  1. Iodination: When alkane is treated with iodine the following product formed is alkyl iodide. However, Hydroiodic acid is more stronger reducing agent which also reduces alkyl iodide back to alkane by making the iodination reaction a reversible reaction. The reaction here needs to be processed out in the presence of oxidizing agent haloalkanes example mercuric acid, Iodic acid, dil. Nitric acid, etc. This oxidizing agent prevents backward reaction by decomposing the hydroiodic acid (HI) formed. The general representation is given by

R-H+I2→R-I+HI

Markownikoff’s Rule: When unsymmetrical haloalkenes are treated with an unsymmetrical reagent which is HX than the negative part of the reagent is (-X) which gets added to the unsaturated carbon of double bond this contains less number of hydrogen. The general formula is given by

R-CH-CH2Unsymmetrical alkene+HXHalogen Acid→RCHXCH3Major Product (2-Haloalkane)

Anti-Markownikoff’s Rule: When unsymmetrical haloalkenes are treated with an unsymmetrical reagent which is HX in the presence of peroxide (Na2O2) then the negative part of the reagent is (-X) which gets added to the unsaturated carbon of double bond this contains more number of hydrogen. The general formula is given by

R-CH=CH2Unsymmeterical Alkene+HBrUnsymmetrical ReagentPeroxide→RCH2CH2BrMajor Product (1-Bromoalkane)

The most important thing is that the peroxide effect is shown only and only by the HBr meanwhile HCl and HI always is added according to Markownikoff’s rule.

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Halogen Reactions:

Finkelstein Reaction: The Finkelstein reaction is used for the preparation of alkyl iodide. Alkyl bromide/chloride is heated with sodium iodide solution in Acetone(dry) and forms alkyl iodide. NaCl and NaBr are way less soluble in Acetone(dry) and it gets precipitated further these precipitates is removed by the filtration process along the backward reaction is prevented.

R-XAlkyl halide+NaISodium IodideDry acetone→RIAlkyl Iodide+NaXSodium Halide

Swarts Reaction: Similarly, the alkyl fluorides which can be prepared by the Swarts reaction method by the reaction of Mercurous fluoride, Silver fluoride, Cobalt fluoride, or Antimony fluoride on alkyl chloride/bromide.

2R-XAlkyl Halide+Hg2F2Mercurous Fluoride2RFAlkyl Fluoride (Fluoroalkane) +Hg2X2

Substitution Reaction: When an atom or group of atoms are substituted or replaced from the substrate the number of other atoms or groups is known as substitution reaction.

R-XAlkyl Halide+Y-NucleophileR-YSubstituted Alkane+X-Halide Ion

Where Y- is a nucleophile like OH-, CN-, NH2-, R-O-, RCOO-, I-, etc.

Elimination Reaction: A reaction in which two atoms are removed from the adjacent carbon atom in a molecule which forms an unsaturated compound which is known as an elimination reaction.

Williamson’s synthesis of Ethers: Alkyl halide is heated with the alkali alkoxide to give respective ether. In this reaction, the halide group undergoes substitution with an alkoxy group (-O-R'). For example, sodium alkoxide can be prepared by the action of sodium metal on alcohol.

R-XAlkyl Halide+NaOR'Sodium AlkoxideHeat→R-O-Rether'+NaX

Physical Properties and Chemical Properties of Haloalkanes:

  1. The lower elements are gases at room temperature and the higher elements are solids or liquids.

  2. The more volatile halogen compound is more sweetest smell it has.

  3. The boiling point of the Alkyl halide is always greater than the respective hydrocarbons.

  4. Since the polarity of the Carbon-halogen bond along with the dipole-dipole-London force and Van der Waal’s between the molecules of haloalkanes are stronger thus there is an increase in boiling point.

Haloarenes

Haloarenes definition:

When one or more than one hydrogen atom of an aromatic hydrocarbon is substituted by the respective number of halogen atoms the major product form from the reaction is called Haloarenes. The general formula for haloarenes is given by Ar-X, where Ar is the aryl group and X is halogen i.e., F, Br, Cl, I. Aromatic hydrocarbons are known as arenes. Also, Haloarenes contain halo alkane atoms attached to sp2 hybridized carbon atom.

Classification of Halogen derivatives:

Haloalkanes and Haloarenes ( Classification of Halogen derivatives)

Monohaloarenes: When one hydrogen atom of arene is replaced by one halogen the following compound formed is known as monohaloarenes. Example: Chlorobenzene, Bromobenzene.

  1. Dihaloarenes: When two hydrogen atoms of arene are replaced by two halogens the following compound formed is known as Dihaloarenes. Example: 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4-Dibromobenzene.

  2. Polyhaloarenes: When two or more hydrogen atoms of arene are replaced by the same number of halogens, the following compound formed is known as Polyhaloarenes. Example: 1,3,5-Tribromobenzene (Trihaloarene), 1,2,3,5-Tetrachlorobenzene (Tetrahaloarene).

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Nomenclature of Haloarenes:

  1. Aryl halides are named by prefixing the 'halo' to the name of the parent aromatic hydrocarbon.

  2. For the Dihalogen derivative, the prefixes o-, m-, and p- are used in the common system but in the IUPAC system, numerical prefixes (1, 2) (1, 3) and (1, 4) are respectively used.

  3. In case, the parent aromatic hydrocarbon carries a side chain or substituent, then the numbering of carbon atoms begins with the carbon atom attached to the halo atom.

  4. However, polyhalogen derivatives do not have common names (Except three groups in symmetrical position, the suffix `sym' is used) but only have IUPAC names in which positions of halogens are indicated by Arabic numerals.

Nature of Carbon-Halogen bond in Haloarenes:

In haloarenes, lone pairs of electrons on the halogen atom are in conjugation with the electrons of the benzene ring. In the case of chlorobenzene, a lone pair of electrons from the chlorine atom as well as six electrons from the carbon atoms of the ring are thereby associated with all seven atoms (six carbon atoms and one halogen atom). The delocalization of electrons gives the double bond character to the C—X bond.

Polyhalogen Compounds: Carbon compounds which have more than one halogen atom it is known as polyhalogen compounds. Some of the Haloarenes example: p,p’-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT); Freons (CCl2F2); Iodoform (CHI3); Tetrachloromethane CCl4; Trichloromethane (CHCl3); Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2).

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why haloarenes are less reactive than haloalkanes?

Haloarenes is less reactive than haloalkanes due to haloarenes electron pair on halogen atom is in conjugation with pi electron of ring. Since the bond cleavage in the haloarenes is difficult than haloalkanes. Since resonance carbon-halogen in aryl halide because it possesses double bond character. Thus, haloalkanes are more reactive than haloarenes.

2. Haloalkanes easily dissolve in organic solvents why?

Alkyl halides are soluble in water and due to intermolecular forces of the attraction moreover, they are soluble in organic solvents too.

3. What are haloalkanes and haloarenes?

Haloalkane Definition: Haloalkanes is called as alkyl halide, which is group of chemical compounds compromising of alkane with more than one hydrogen replaced by halogen atoms.

4. What are haloalkanes and haloarenes?
Haloalkanes and haloarenes are organic compounds containing at least one halogen atom (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) bonded to an alkyl group or an aromatic ring, respectively. Haloalkanes have the general formula R-X, where R is an alkyl group and X is a halogen, while haloarenes have a halogen directly attached to an aromatic ring.
5. State applications of halogen?

Halogen containing organic elements/compounds which is used as a solvent for non-polar. Alkyl halide is used in insecticides, and it contribute to human health sectors too.

6. List the reagents which can be used for preparation alkyl halide from alcohols.

Alkyl halide can be prepare using alcohol by replacing hydroxyl group of alcohol with halogen atom group.

7. How are haloalkanes synthesized?

 Haloalkanes can be synthesized through several methods, including:

  • Halogenation of alkanes using halogens in the presence of UV light.
  • Reacting alcohols with hydrogen halides (HX) to produce haloalkanes.
  • The reaction of alkenes with halogen halides.
8. Are haloalkanes and haloarenes toxic?

Many haloalkanes and haloarenes can be toxic, with potential health hazards including carcinogenic effects, neurological impacts, and skin irritation. Safety measures should be taken when handling these compounds.

9. What are the uses of haloalkanes?

Haloalkanes are used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, solvents, refrigerants, and as intermediates in organic synthesis. They can also be found in certain cleaning products and are used in the production of other chemicals.

10. How are haloalkanes classified?
Haloalkanes are classified based on the number of halogen atoms attached and the type of carbon atom to which the halogen is bonded:
11. How do the physical properties of haloalkanes change with increasing molecular weight?
As the molecular weight of haloalkanes increases:
12. What is the significance of the carbon-halogen bond length in haloalkanes and haloarenes?
The carbon-halogen bond length is significant because it affects the compound's reactivity and properties. In general, the C-X bond length increases down the group (F < Cl < Br < I), leading to:
13. What is the difference between elimination and substitution reactions in haloalkanes?
Elimination and substitution reactions in haloalkanes differ in their outcomes and mechanisms:
14. What is the role of haloalkanes and haloarenes in organic synthesis?
Haloalkanes and haloarenes play crucial roles in organic synthesis as:
15. How do haloalkanes and haloarenes differ in their reactions with strong bases?
Haloalkanes and haloarenes react differently with strong bases:
16. How do haloalkanes and haloarenes behave differently in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions?
In electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions:
17. How does the presence of a halogen affect the reactivity of the aromatic ring in haloarenes?
The presence of a halogen in haloarenes affects the aromatic ring's reactivity by:
18. How do haloalkanes and haloarenes differ in their preparation methods?
Haloalkanes are typically prepared by:
19. What is the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution in haloalkanes?
Nucleophilic substitution in haloalkanes can occur via two mechanisms:
20. What is the Finkelstein reaction, and why is it useful?
The Finkelstein reaction is a halogen exchange reaction where an alkyl chloride or bromide is converted to an alkyl iodide using sodium iodide in acetone. It's useful because it allows the synthesis of more reactive alkyl iodides from less reactive chlorides or bromides, facilitating further reactions.
21. What is the Wurtz reaction, and what is its significance?
The Wurtz reaction is a coupling reaction between two alkyl halides using sodium metal to form a new carbon-carbon bond. Its significance lies in its ability to synthesize symmetrical alkanes with an even number of carbon atoms, effectively doubling the carbon chain length.
22. How does the presence of a halogen affect the acidity of adjacent hydrogen atoms?
The presence of a halogen increases the acidity of adjacent hydrogen atoms due to its electron-withdrawing nature. This effect is more pronounced in haloalkanes than in haloarenes. The increased acidity is due to:
23. How does the nature of the alkyl group affect the reactivity of haloalkanes?
The nature of the alkyl group affects the reactivity of haloalkanes in the following order: tertiary > secondary > primary. This is due to the increased electron-donating ability and steric effects of larger alkyl groups, which stabilize the carbocation intermediate in SN1 reactions and affect the approach of nucleophiles in SN2 reactions.
24. What is the difference between alkyl and aryl halides?
Alkyl halides (haloalkanes) have a halogen atom bonded to an sp³ hybridized carbon in an alkyl group, while aryl halides (haloarenes) have a halogen atom directly bonded to an sp² hybridized carbon in an aromatic ring. This difference in bonding affects their reactivity and properties.
25. Why are haloalkanes more reactive than haloarenes?
Haloalkanes are generally more reactive than haloarenes because the carbon-halogen bond in haloalkanes is weaker and more polar. In haloarenes, the carbon-halogen bond is strengthened by resonance with the aromatic ring, making it more stable and less reactive.
26. What is the order of reactivity for different halogens in nucleophilic substitution reactions?
The order of reactivity for halogens in nucleophilic substitution reactions is: I > Br > Cl > F. This order is based on the strength of the carbon-halogen bond, with iodine forming the weakest bond and fluorine the strongest. Weaker bonds are more easily broken, leading to higher reactivity.
27. How does the polarity of the C-X bond affect the properties of haloalkanes?
The polarity of the C-X bond in haloalkanes affects various properties:
28. How do haloalkanes and haloarenes contribute to environmental concerns?
Some haloalkanes, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contribute to ozone depletion in the stratosphere. Certain haloarenes, like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are persistent organic pollutants that can accumulate in the environment and food chain. Many halogenated compounds are also greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
29. What is the significance of the carbon-halogen bond polarity in haloalkanes and haloarenes?
The carbon-halogen bond polarity is significant because it:
30. What is the importance of stereochemistry in reactions involving haloalkanes?
Stereochemistry is crucial in haloalkane reactions because:
31. What is the significance of the leaving group ability of halogens in nucleophilic substitution reactions?
The leaving group ability of halogens is significant because:
32. How do solvent effects influence the reactions of haloalkanes and haloarenes?
Solvent effects influence reactions of haloalkanes and haloarenes by:
33. What is the role of catalysts in reactions involving haloalkanes and haloarenes?
Catalysts play important roles in reactions involving haloalkanes and haloarenes:
34. How does the presence of other functional groups affect the reactivity of haloalkanes and haloarenes?
The presence of other functional groups affects reactivity by:
35. What are the environmental and health concerns associated with certain haloalkanes and haloarenes?
Environmental and health concerns include:
36. How do haloalkanes and haloarenes differ in their spectroscopic properties?
Spectroscopic differences include:
37. What is the importance of understanding the mechanism of nucleophilic aromatic substitution in haloarenes?
Understanding the mechanism of nucleophilic aromatic substitution in haloarenes is important because:
38. How do haloalkanes and haloarenes participate in free radical reactions?
Haloalkanes and haloarenes participate in free radical reactions differently:
39. What is the significance of the Sandmeyer reaction in the chemistry of haloarenes?
The Sandmeyer reaction is significant in haloarene chemistry because:

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