Halogenation

File:96. Адиција на хлор на етин.ogg Halogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the addition of one or more halogens to a compound. Halogens are a group of elements found in Group 17 of the periodic table, which includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Halogenation reactions are widely used in both organic and inorganic chemistry to modify the properties of molecules.

Types of Halogenation

Halogenation can be classified into several types based on the nature of the substrate and the halogen involved:

Alkane Halogenation

Alkane halogenation involves the substitution of a hydrogen atom in an alkane with a halogen atom. This reaction typically proceeds via a free radical mechanism and is commonly initiated by heat or light. For example, the chlorination of methane produces chloromethane.

Aromatic Halogenation

Aromatic halogenation involves the substitution of a hydrogen atom in an aromatic compound with a halogen atom. This reaction usually requires a catalyst such as iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) for chlorination or aluminum bromide (AlBr3) for bromination. An example is the bromination of benzene to form bromobenzene.

Alkene and Alkyne Halogenation

Alkenes and alkynes undergo addition reactions with halogens. In the case of alkenes, the halogen adds across the double bond, while in alkynes, the halogen adds across the triple bond. For example, the addition of bromine to ethene produces 1,2-dibromoethane.

Mechanisms of Halogenation

The mechanism of halogenation depends on the type of substrate and the conditions under which the reaction is carried out. Common mechanisms include:

Free Radical Halogenation

This mechanism involves the formation of free radicals and is typical for alkane halogenation. The reaction proceeds through initiation, propagation, and termination steps.

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution

This mechanism is characteristic of aromatic halogenation. The halogen acts as an electrophile and substitutes a hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring.

Electrophilic Addition

This mechanism is observed in the halogenation of alkenes and alkynes. The halogen molecule adds across the multiple bond, forming a dihalide.

Applications of Halogenation

Halogenation reactions are important in various industrial and laboratory processes. Some applications include:

• The production of halogenated solvents such as chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.
• The synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
• The modification of polymers to improve their properties.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

Halogenation reactions can produce hazardous by-products and require careful handling of reactive halogens. Environmental concerns include the formation of ozone-depleting substances and persistent organic pollutants.

Related Pages

• Halogen
• Free radical
• Electrophilic aromatic substitution
• Alkane
• Alkene
• Alkyne
• Aromatic compound