Chemistry 11 · Chemistry · Lesson 9.2
Alkyl halides
- Level
- Grade 11
- Reading time
- 13 min reading
- Review
- Last reviewed 2026-09-03
- Standard
- Accuracy standard
- Errata
Abstract
Naming and properties of halogen-substituted hydrocarbons.
Concept preview
What you will be able to do
- 01Describe how an alkyl halide forms by substitution
- 02Name simple alkyl halides using halo- prefixes and position numbers
- 03Explain the role of the halogen as a functional group
Alkanes are fairly unreactive, but under light or heat a halogen can replace one of their hydrogen atoms. The product is no longer a pure hydrocarbon: it now contains a halogen atom. Introducing this halogen transforms an inert alkane into a more reactive molecule, opening the door to the huge variety of organic reactions. The halogen becomes the reactive site of the new molecule.
School Plan
Alkyl halides
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