COMEDK2025ChemistryHydrocarbonsActual
The correct order of reactivity of halogens with alkanes is:
Options
- AF₂ > C l₂ > B r₂ > I₂
- BF₂ > B r₂ > C l₂ > I₂
- CI₂ > B r₂ > C l₂ > F₂
- DC l₂ > F₂ > B r₂ > I₂
Correct answer
A. F₂ > C l₂ > B r₂ > I₂
Step-by-step solution
The reactivity of halogens towards alkanes is determined by the bond dissociation energy of the halogen molecule and the enthalpy of the reaction. The reaction of an alkane with a halogen is represented as R-H + X₂ R-X + H-X . The reactivity order is governed by the strength of the H-X bond formed and the ease of breaking the X-X bond. Fluorine is the most reactive due to its high electronegativity and the high bond energy of the H-F bond formed, which makes the reaction highly exothermic. Iodine is the least react