13.1: Halogenoalkanes - introduction

• Haloalkanes can be classified into three types:

  • Primary: The carbon to which the X group is attached is bonded to one other carbon atom.
  • Secondary: The carbon to which the X group is attached is bonded to two other carbon atoms.
  • Tertiary: The carbon to which the X group is attached is bonded to three other carbon atoms.
• Halogenoalkanes - polarity


  • Halogens are more electronegative than carbon so they draw the electrons towards them, away from the carbon.
  • This makes the bonds polar, the halogen gains a slightly negative charge and the carbon gains a slight positive charge.