<p>The invention is directed to an activated halo-containing aralkylsilanes possessing at least one hydrolyzable group bonded to a silicon atom and at least one halo functional group bonded to a carbon atom to which both the silicon atom and an aromatic group are covalently bonded. The invention is also directed to a process for making such a silane as well as its use in rubber compositions and articles containing such rubber compositions, such as tires.</p>