Nucleophilic substitution

Halogenoalkanes contain polar bonds.

Halogenoalkanes undergo substitution reactions with the nucleophiles OH⁻, CN⁻ and NH₃

Students should be able to:

• outline the nucleophilic substitution mechanisms of these reactions

• explain why the carbon–halogen bond enthalpy influences the rate of reaction.

AT a, b and k

PS 4.1

Students could follow instructions when carrying out test-tube hydrolysis of halogenoalkanes to show their relative rates of reaction.

AT d, g and k

Students could prepare a chloroalkane, purifying the product using a separating funnel and distillation.