Halogenoalkanes: Edexcel International A Level Chemistry questions

Every Edexcel International A Level Chemistry exam question on 10B Halogenoalkanes (specification points 10.6–10.14), 2019–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 132 questions on Halogenoalkanes, as a list

June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q13(a) (1 mark): The rate was fastest for 1-iodobutane and slowest for 1-chlorobutane. Which is the best explanation for this result? (1) A the bond strength of the hydrogen ha
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q13(b) (1 mark): What is observed when 1-bromobutane is warmed with aqueous silver nitrate in the presence of ethanol? (1) A an orange solution B a cream precipitate soluble in
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q13(c) (1 mark): What is the mechanism of these hydrolysis reactions to form alcohols? (1) A electrophilic addition B elimination C free radical substitution D nucleophilic subs
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q14(c)(i) (2 marks): State the conditions for this reaction. (2)
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q14(c)(ii) (3 marks): Complete the mechanism for this reaction. Include curly arrows, and relevant dipoles and lone pairs. (3) H H H H H N+ H C C Br H C C H H H H H H H H H H C C N H
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q14(c)(iii) (2 marks): Further substitution of the ethylamine molecule may occur if the halogenoalkane is in excess. State two features of the ethylamine molecule that make this possi
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q16(d) (6 marks): Discuss the reactions between sodium hydroxide and 2-chlorobutane. The hydroxide ion acts in two different ways depending on the reaction conditions. Include th
June 2025, Unit 4, Q11 (1 mark): A chloroalkane, RCl, undergoes hydrolysis according to the equation shown. RCl + OH− → ROH + Cl− The rate equation is rate = k[RCl] Which chloroalkane is most l
June 2025 (A), Unit 5, Q18(b) (2 marks): State the reagent and conditions used for the reaction in Step 3. (2)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): Which is the best solvent for chloroethane? A ethanol B hexane C hydrochloric acid D water
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q19(a) (1 mark): Name compound X. (1)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q19(b)(i) (1 mark): Name this type of reaction. (1)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q19(b)(ii) (2 marks): Draw the structure of the two isomers. (2) Isomer 1 Isomer 2
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q19(c)(i) (3 marks): Complete the reaction mechanism for compound X reacting with cold, dilute aqueous potassium hydroxide. Include curly arrows and relevant lone pairs and dipoles.
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q19(c)(ii) (2 marks): Compound Y also reacts with cold, dilute aqueous potassium hydroxide. I Y Explain how the rate of reaction will compare with that of compound X. (2)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q19(d) (2 marks): State the role of the hydroxide ion in each of the reactions (b) and (c). (2) Role in (b) Role in (c)
January 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(a) (1 mark): Give one reason, relating to safety, why the hydrochloric acid is added to the separating funnel 3 cm3 at a time, and not all at once, in Step 2. (1)
January 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(b) (2 marks): Draw a labelled diagram of the separating funnel at the end of Step 3. [Density of 2‑chloro‑2‑methylpropane = 0.85 g cm–3] (2)
January 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(c) (1 mark): Sodium hydrogencarbonate solution is added to remove acid impurities in Step 4. Give the reason why a stronger alkali, such as sodium hydroxide solution, should
January 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(e) (4 marks): Identify two changes that must be made to the apparatus shown before distilling in Step 6, giving a reason for each change. (4) water from tap still head pear-s
January 2025, Unit 4, Q18(a) (6 marks): Halogenoalkanes are hydrolysed by aqueous alkali to form alcohols. RX + OH– → ROH + X– The rate equations for these reactions with two halogenoalkanes are shown
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q13(a) (1 mark): What is the role of the hydroxide ion in this reaction? (1) A reducing agent B nucleophile C electrophile D base
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q13(b) (1 mark): Which mechanism shows the correct movement of electrons in this reaction? (1) :OH– H H A Cl H C C H H H H Cl H C C B H H :OH– H H Cl H C C C H H :OH– H H Cl H C
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q17(a)(i) (1 mark): Name compound A. (1)
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q17(a)(ii) (1 mark): Draw the skeletal formula of B. (1)
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q17(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe what you would observe when separate samples of A and B are warmed with silver nitrate dissolved in aqueous ethanol. (2) Observation with A Observation
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q17(b)(ii) (2 marks): Give two reasons why A reacts more quickly than B when warmed with silver nitrate dissolved in aqueous ethanol. (2)
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q17(c)(i) (2 marks): Write an equation for the reaction of B with an alcoholic solution of potassium cyanide and name the organic product. (2) Equation: Name
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q17(c)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why this type of reaction is important in organic synthesis. (1)
October 2024, Unit 4, Q19(a)(ii) (3 marks): Show that the data in the table are consistent with the SN2 mechanism for this hydrolysis of 2‑bromobutane. (3)
October 2024, Unit 4, Q19(a)(iii) (3 marks): In one experiment, a single stereoisomer of 2‑bromobutane was hydrolysed. Explain the stereochemistry of the product of this reaction. (3)
October 2024, Unit 4, Q19(b) (3 marks): 2‑Bromo‑2‑methylbutane, (CH3)2CBrCH2CH3 , can also be hydrolysed with hydroxide ions. The mechanism for the reaction is SN1 . The reaction profile is shown. Ene
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q16(a)(i) (1 mark): State what condition, other than a suitable temperature and concentration of potassium hydroxide, would give a high yield of but‑1‑ene and but‑2‑ene from 2‑chlo
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q16(a)(ii) (1 mark): Give the type of reaction occurring in (a)(i). (1)
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): State what condition, other than a suitable temperature and concentration of potassium hydroxide, would give a high yield of butan‑1‑ol from 1‑chlorobutane. (1)
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): Complete the mechanism for the reaction of potassium hydroxide with 1‑chlorobutane to form butan‑1‑ol. Use curly arrows and show relevant dipoles and lone pairs
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q16(b)(iii) (2 marks): Give two reasons why, under the conditions used in (b)(ii), the reaction between potassium hydroxide and 2‑iodo‑2‑methylpropane is faster than the reaction betw
June 2024, AS Unit 3, Q2(j) (4 marks): State a chemical test for the –OH group in ethanol and a chemical test for the –Br group in bromoethane. Include the expected positive observations. (4) –OH gro
June 2024, Unit 4, Q9 (1 mark): The rate equation for the hydrolysis of a halogenoalkane, RX, in aqueous alkali is shown. rate = k [RX] Which of these statements is true? A the mechanism invol
June 2024 (R), AS Unit 2, Q16 (1 mark): How many structural isomers are there with the molecular formula C3H6BrI ? A 4 B 5 C 6 D 7 Use this space for any rough working. Anything you write in this spac
June 2024 (R), AS Unit 2, Q21(a) (3 marks): Complete the table by giving the displayed formula and name of each halogenoalkane. (3) A straight chain primary A tertiary iodoalkane with the chloroalkane wit
June 2024 (R), AS Unit 2, Q21(b) (2 marks): The two halogenoalkanes in part (a) react with aqueous potassium hydroxide to produce alcohols. Give two reasons why the rate of reaction of the iodoalkane is f
June 2024 (R), AS Unit 2, Q21(c) (3 marks): Halogenoalkanes react with cyanide ions, CN– , in alcoholic solution to form nitriles. The cyanide ions act as nucleophiles. Complete the mechanism for the form
June 2024 (R), AS Unit 3, Q4(b) (2 marks): Suggest, by name or formula, a bromoalkane and a chloroalkane suitable for this experiment, justifying your answers. (2)
June 2024 (R), AS Unit 3, Q5(a) (2 marks): Complete the list to show the correct order of the steps. (2) A
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q15 (1 mark): Silver nitrate, in aqueous ethanol, is added separately to four halogenoalkanes. Which would form a silver halide precipitate in the shortest time? A 1-bromobut
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q23(a)(i) (1 mark): Give the IUPAC name of the only C4H9Br tertiary bromoalkane. (1)
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q23(a)(ii) (1 mark): Draw the displayed formula of the only C4H9Br secondary bromoalkane. (1)
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q23(a)(iii) (1 mark): Draw the skeletal formula of the only branched-chain C4H9Br primary bromoalkane. (1)
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q23(b) (1 mark): Give the structure of the C4H9Br bromoalkane that would react fastest with aqueous silver nitrate in ethanol. (1)
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q23(c)(i) (4 marks): Complete the table. (4) Formula Reaction Name of mechanism of Condition(s) reagent R1 nucleophilic substitution R2 heat in ethanol R3 NH3 R4 heat in ethanol
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q23(c)(ii) (4 marks): Complete the mechanism for reaction R3. Include curly arrows, and any relevant lone pairs, dipoles and charges. (4) NH3 H H H H + Br– H7C3 C Br H7C3 C N H H H N
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q15 (1 mark): Separate solutions of 1‑chloropropane and 1‑bromopropane in ethanol are warmed with aqueous silver nitrate. Why does the formation of a precipitate take longer
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q17 (1 mark): Which compound reacts with ammonia to form CH3CH(NH2)CH3? A 1‑chloropropane B 2‑chloropropane C propane D propene
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q18(c)(i) (1 mark): State the type and mechanism of this reaction. (1)
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q18(c)(ii) (3 marks): Complete the mechanism for this reaction. Include curly arrows, and relevant lone pairs and dipoles. (3) H H H H C C C Br H H H
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q18(c)(iii) (2 marks): Under different conditions, sodium hydroxide reacts with 1‑bromopropane to form propene. Name the type of reaction and a suitable solvent. (2) Type of reaction
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q16 (1 mark): The structures of three bromoalkanes P, Q and R are shown. Br Br Br P Q R Which of these bromoalkanes may be classified as tertiary? A P only B Q only C R only
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q17 (1 mark): When 1-chlorobutane is mixed with ethanol and aqueous silver nitrate, a reaction occurs. Which species is the nucleophile in this reaction? A ethanol B nitrate
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(a) (1 mark): Name the type and mechanism of these reactions. (1)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(b) (2 marks): Give the IUPAC name and the structure of compound M. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(c) (2 marks): State the reagent and conditions required for Reaction 1. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(d)(i) (2 marks): Complete the mechanism by adding curly arrows, and relevant dipoles and lone pairs. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(d)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how intermediate J is formed in the first step, naming the process that occurs. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(d)(iii) (2 marks): State the shape of intermediate J. Justify your answer. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(d)(iv) (2 marks): The product of Reaction 2 is shown. CH3 H3C C OH CH3 This compound has three isomers that are also alcohols. Draw the structures of these isomers. (2) isomer 1
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(e)(i) (2 marks): Write the ionic equation for the reaction of silver(I) oxide with water. State symbols are not required. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q19(e)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one advantage of using silver(I) oxide rather than sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. (1)
June 2023, Unit 4, Q19(b) (4 marks): Draw the SN2 mechanism for the reaction of 1-bromopropane with hydroxide ions in aqueous solution. Include curly arrows, and relevant dipoles and lone pairs. (4
June 2023, Unit 5, Q25(d)(v) (1 mark): State the type and mechanism of reaction occurring in Step 4. (1)
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q13 (1 mark): Silver nitrate in aqueous ethanol is added separately to four halogenoalkanes. Which would form a silver halide precipitate in the shortest time? A (CH3)3CI B (
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q14 (1 mark): CH3CH2CHBrCH2CH2CH3 is heated with ethanolic potassium hydroxide. How many alkene products are possible? A one B two C three D four
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q20(a) (1 mark): Identify, by name or formula, the reagent used in Step X. (1)
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q20(b) (1 mark): Give the structure of organic compound W. (1)
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q20(c)(ii) (3 marks): Complete the mechanism for Step Y. Include curly arrows, and any relevant lone pairs and dipoles. (3) H CH3CH2 C Br H – N3
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q20(d)(i) (2 marks): Give the conditions for this reaction. (2)
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q20(d)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why the yield of CH3CH2CH2NH2 obtained using Step Z is low. (1)
January 2023, Unit 6, Q2(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how the use of aqueous ethanol in the reaction mixture allows the reaction in Step 3 to proceed at a relatively fast rate. A description of the forces i
October 2022, AS Unit 2, Q7 (1 mark): Butanenitrile can be formed by reacting 1-bromopropane with potassium cyanide. Which is the correct mechanism and type of reaction that occurs? A electrophilic
October 2022, AS Unit 2, Q18 (1 mark): Part of a reaction mechanism is shown. :Br− H H H H 1 + δ+ δ− H C C Br H C C NH2 3 2 H H H H H :NH3 :NH3 4 Which curly arrow in the mechanism is not correct? A
October 2022, AS Unit 2, Q23(d)(iv) (2 marks): For Reaction 4, the reagent used is potassium hydroxide (KOH). Give the conditions required for this reaction, stating the role of the hydroxide ions in this re
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q17(a) (1 mark): Give the classification of each halogenoalkane shown in the table as primary, secondary or tertiary. (1) Halogenoalkane Classification Br Br
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q17(b) (3 marks): Samples of 1-iodobutane and 2-chloro-2-methylpropane were hydrolysed using aqueous silver nitrate in ethanol. Explain whether or not it is possible to predict t
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q17(c)(i) (1 mark): Give a reason why this reaction should be carried out by heating the reactants in a sealed tube rather than heating under reflux. (1)
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q17(c)(ii) (4 marks): Complete the mechanism for this reaction by adding curly arrows, and any relevant lone pairs and dipoles. (4) C3H7 H C3H7 H C Br H N+ C H + Br− H H H H3N H3N H
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q17(e) (6 marks): The reaction between 2-bromopropane and potassium hydroxide takes place under two different conditions: • in aqueous solution • in ethanolic solution. Compare a
June 2022, Unit 4, Q20(b) (3 marks): Draw the mechanism for this reaction that is consistent with your rate equation. Include curly arrows, and any relevant dipoles and lone pairs of electrons. (3)
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q20(a) (2 marks): State the type and mechanism of this reaction. (2)
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q20(b)(i) (2 marks): Identify two omissions in the student’s mechanism. (2)
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q20(b)(ii) (3 marks): To obtain butylamine, sodium hydroxide solution is added. Complete the next step of the mechanism to form butylamine, showing curly arrows, relevant lone pairs
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q20(c) (3 marks): The reactions of ammonia and of hydroxide ions with halogenoalkanes are similar. Compare the rate of reaction of ammonia with 1‑chlorobutane and with 2‑bromo‑2‑
January 2022, Unit 4, Q10 (1 mark): When a single enantiomer of 2‑iodobutane reacts with sodium hydroxide, the product is a mixture of enantiomers. This is because A the reaction is a nucleophilic
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q20(a)(i) (1 mark): State what would be measured in the experiment to compare the rates of hydrolysis. (1)
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q20(a)(ii) (2 marks): State which of these halogenoalkanes would hydrolyse the fastest. Justify your answer. (2)
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q20(b) (2 marks): The equation for the hydrolysis of 1-chloropropane by aqueous hydroxide ions is shown. CH3CH2CH2Cl + OH− ® CH3CH2CH2OH + Cl− Give the mechanism for this hydroly
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q20(d) (3 marks): In another experiment, 2-bromobutane is heated with ethanolic potassium hydroxide and an elimination reaction occurs. Draw the skeletal formulae of the three po
October 2021, Unit 4, Q18 (6 marks): *18 The hydrolysis of halogenoalkanes by alkali is a nucleophilic substitution reaction. RX + OH− → ROH + X− The mechanism of this reaction for primary halogeno
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q9(a) (1 mark): Which of these halogenoalkanes reacts the fastest? (1) A CH3CHICH3 B CH3CHBrCH3 C CH3CHClCH3 D CH3CHFCH3
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q9(b) (1 mark): Which of these halogenoalkanes reacts the fastest? (1) A CH3CHBrCH(CH3)CH3 B CH3CH2CBr(CH3)CH3 C CH3CH(CH2Br)CH2CH3 D CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2Br
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q10 (1 mark): What is the structure of 2-bromo-3-chloro-2-methylbutane? Cl Br A H3C C C H CH3 CH3 Cl B Br Cl Br C C C H3C CH3 CH3 CH3 Br D Cl
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q11 (1 mark): Which structure represents a primary halogenoalkane? A Cl Cl B C Cl D Cl Use this space for any rough working. Anything you write in this space will gain no cre
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q18(b)(i) (1 mark): Give the conditions for the formation of propene. (1)
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q18(b)(ii) (1 mark): Give the molecular formula of product B. (1)
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q18(b)(iii) (2 marks): Name the type and mechanism of the reaction taking place in reaction C. (2)
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q18(b)(iv) (4 marks): Complete the mechanism for the reaction that occurs between ammonia and 1-bromopropane to form propylamine, CH3CH2CH2NH2 . Include curly arrows, and relevant lo
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q22(e)(i) (1 mark): Write an equation for this reaction. State symbols are not required. (1)
June 2021, Unit 4, Q5 (1 mark): The halogenoalkane 2-bromo-2-methylbutane was hydrolysed with sodium hydroxide solution, NaOH(aq). Which suggestion about the mechanism of this reaction is corr
January 2021, AS Unit 2, Q13 (1 mark): What is the skeletal formula of 2-chloro-4,4-dimethylhexane? A Cl B Cl C Cl D Cl Use this space for any rough working. Anything you write in this space will gai
January 2021, AS Unit 2, Q20(a)(iii) (4 marks): Give the mechanism for the reaction in Step 2. Include curly arrows, and any relevant dipoles and lone pairs. (4)
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): The concentrated hydrochloric acid used in Step 1 was labelled Suggest two safety precautions, other than wearing safety spectacles and a laboratory coat, to mi
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(a)(v) (4 marks): Draw the apparatus required to distil the product and collect the distillate between 50°C and 52°C in Step 6. (4)
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(c) (3 marks): The choroalkane produced is used in an experiment to compare its rate of hydrolysis with two other halogenoalkanes. A student dissolves separate 1.0 cm3 samples
January 2021, Unit 4, Q12 (1 mark): A sample of a bromoalkane, RBr, containing a single optical isomer reacts with hydroxide ions in an SN1 mechanism. RBr + OH− o ROH + Br− The alcohol formed is a
October 2020, AS Unit 1, Q22(a) (1 mark): Name molecule X. (1)
October 2020, AS Unit 1, Q22(b)(i) (1 mark): State the essential condition necessary for this process. (1)
October 2020, AS Unit 1, Q22(b)(ii) (2 marks): Write an equation for this fission in molecule X. Include curly half-arrows. (2)
October 2020, AS Unit 1, Q22(b)(iii) (2 marks): Write an equation for the reaction of a chlorine free radical with a molecule of X. Curly half-arrows are not required. (2)
October 2020, AS Unit 1, Q22(b)(iv) (2 marks): Write an equation, using displayed formulae, for a free radical formed in this sequence to give a molecule with the formula C4H4Cl6 . (2)
October 2020, AS Unit 1, Q22(b)(v) (2 marks): State the type of reaction occurring in (b)(iv) and the name of the product with the formula C4H4Cl6 . (2)
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q16(a) (4 marks): Complete the table about these reactions. (4) Reaction Reagent Solvent Type of reaction 1 potassium hydroxide 2 ammonia 3 ethanol 4 elimination
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q16(b) (1 mark): Give the IUPAC name of the product of Reaction 3. (1)
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q16(c) (3 marks): Complete the mechanism for Reaction 2. Show the formation of the intermediate F and of the product. Include curly arrows, and any relevant lone pairs and dipole
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q16(d) (6 marks): The relative rates of hydrolysis of a series of halogenoalkanes were determined using the following method:  five test tubes, each containing 2 cm3 of ethanol
October 2020, Unit 4, Q5 (1 mark): The equation shows the hydrolysis of a bromoalkane. RBr + OH− → ROH + Br− The rate equation is rate = k[RBr] RBr is most likely to be A bromomethane B 2-bromopr
January 2020, AS Unit 2, Q11(a) (1 mark): What type of reaction occurs in this preparation? (1) A addition B elimination C reduction D substitution
January 2020, AS Unit 2, Q11(c) (1 mark): Bromoethane and chloroethane react with aqueous potassium hydroxide at different rates. Which is correct? (1) Difference in rate Reason for difference Cl bond A
January 2020, AS Unit 2, Q13 (1 mark): A halogenoalkane is dissolved in aqueous ethanol. When aqueous silver nitrate is added, a white precipitate forms immediately. What is the halogenoalkane? A 1-c
January 2020, AS Unit 3, Q4(d)(i) (2 marks): State two physical properties of bromoethane that can be deduced from this diagram. (2)
January 2020, Unit 4, Q5 (1 mark): Which diagram shows the mechanism for the second order reaction between 1-bromoethane and potassium hydroxide in aqueous solution? Diagram 1 H H H H H H H į+ H
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q21(a)(i) (1 mark): Name a suitable solvent for the potassium hydroxide in this reaction. (1)
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q21(a)(ii) (1 mark): State the type and mechanism of this reaction. (1)
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q21(a)(iii) (3 marks): Draw the mechanism for this reaction. Use curly arrows, and show relevant dipoles and lone pairs. (3)

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