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How does bromine react with saturated hydrocarbons?

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A labeled diagram highlights the chemical properties of bromine on the periodic table, showing its symbol Br, atomic number 35, electron configuration, atomic weight range, orthorhombic crystal structure, liquid state at room temperature, and classification as a halogen with strongly acidic oxides. A legend explains the icons for halogens, orthorhombic structure, strongly acidic oxides, and liquid state.
bromine Bromine.

Bromine reacts with saturated hydrocarbons by displacing hydrogen atoms. This process is a type of substitution reaction, where an atom or group in a molecule is replaced by another.12

While bromine is capable of this reaction, it does not occur as readily as it does with chlorine. These reactions often involve free radicals, which are highly reactive species that can participate in chain processes.132