There are three halogenoalkanes with halogens F, Br and I. Each undergo an SN2 reaction. How does the rate of reaction differ between the three halogenoalkanes?

The Iodoalkane will have the fastest rate of reaction. The Bromoalkane will have the second fastest, while the Floroalkane will have the slowest. This is because the atomic radius increases from Florine to Iodine and electronegativity decreases from Florine to Iodine. Essentially Iodine has a lot more electrons around its nucleus than Bromine and Florine. This means it has a weaker pull on electrons (weaker Zeff). Therefore, C-I bonds are going to be weaker and easier to break than C-Br and C-F bonds so the rate of reaction will be faster.

Answered by Rosalie G. Chemistry tutor

2485 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

Why are noble gases so unreactive?


What's the difference between Bronsted-Lowry acids and Lewis acids?


Describe how an increase in temperature affects the equilibrium of the main exothermic reaction of the Haber process?


What is a difference between gas and liquid and solid on a molecular level?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences