2.10.2b: interpret given data and observations comparing the reactions and reactivity of primary, secondary and tertiary compounds

Tertiary reacts almost instantly

Secondary reacts more slowly

Primary takes a considerable amount of time to react

Why do tertiary halogenoalkanes hydrolyse the fastest?:

• the three alkyl groups donate electron density to the carbon atom, which makes the C-X bond weaker, so it breaks first, regardless of OH- concentration
• therefore, the weaker the C-X bond, the faster the reaction
• substitution of a tertiary halogenoalkane (INSERT MECHANISM HERE)

electronegativity	I < Br < Cl < F
bond length	C-F < C-Cl < C-Br < C-I
bond strength	C-I < C-Br < C-Cl < C-F
molecular size	F < Cl < Br < I