Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Haloalkanes: Organic compounds containing one or more halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br, I) attached to an alkane.

• Haloarenes: Organic compounds where halogen atoms are bonded to an aromatic ring.

Important Concepts

Nomenclature

• Haloalkanes: Named as alkane + prefix (bromo-, chloro-, iodo-, etc.)

• Haloarenes: Named by substituting halogen for hydrogen in aromatic compounds.

Reactions

• Nucleophilic Substitution: Replacement of a halogen atom with a nucleophile.

• Elimination Reactions: Formation of alkenes from haloalkanes by removal of HX.

Physical Properties

• Polarity: Haloalkanes are polar; boiling points increase with molecular weight.

• Solubility: Generally insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Key Formulas

• Nucleophilic Substitution:

• Elimination Reaction:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing nucleophilic substitution with elimination reactions. Remember: substitution replaces a group, elimination removes it.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "SHAPE" for Haloalkanes

• Substitution

• Halogen

• Alkane

• Polarity

• Elimination

Key Diagrams

Haloalkane Structure:
     H   H
      \ /
       C - X
      / \
     H   H
Haloarene Structure:
     H   H
      \ /
       C
      / \
     C   C
    /     \
   H       X