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Halogenation

Halogenation is the most characteristic reaction of alkanes: a halogen replaces a hydrogen through a radical chain mechanism initiated by light or heat.

Video: Halogenation of alkanes

Alkane Halogenation

Animation of hydrogen abstraction from methane by a chlorine atom

Chlorination of methane

Animation of hydrogen abstraction from methane by a chlorine atom

Stability of radicals

Energy versus reaction coordinate with two paths: B (low barrier, product D) and C (high barrier, more stable product E)

Kinetics vs. Thermodynamics

Bromination of ethane and chlorination of cyclohexane with light (hν)

Usefulness of halogenation