7.3 The reactions of alkanes with halogens Methane, ethane, and other alkanes react with the first three members of the halogen family: fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, alkanes do not react appreciably with iodine. With methane the reaction produces a mixture of halomethanes and a hydrogen halide.7.3 The reactions of alkanes with halogens Methane, ethane, and other alkanes react with the first three members of the halogen family: fluorine, chlorine, and bromine. Alkanes do not react appreciably with iodine. With methane the reaction produces a mixture of halomethanes and a hydrogen halide