Jesse E. answered • 05/10/19
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As alkanes only undergo substitution reactions, this will be an substitution reaction. The resulting product will be 1-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane because the end carbons, being primary, are the only ones that will react with chlorine.
Jesse E.
Halogenation of alkanes only replaces hydrogen and involves a carbocation. The carbon in the middle is a quaternary carbon attached to four methyl groups so it is stable and will not form a carbocation. The carbocation will form at the end methyl groups which is what gives the 1-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane. Also, for the product to be 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, the chlorine would have to replace a methyl group. This is achievable but it would involve other reactions which will be discussed towards the end of Organic Chem 1 and the beginning of Organic Chem 2.
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05/10/19
Ishwar S.
**Correction - Halogenation of alkanes proceeds via a free radical formation in the chain propagating step. Carbocations are not formed in this reaction.
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05/12/19
Michael M.
why would it not be 2-chloro-2-methylpropane?05/10/19