In a particular chlorination reaction, a single hydrogen atom of 2,2-dimethylbutane, C6H14, is replaced by one chlorine atom - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 12
In a particular chlorination reaction, a single hydrogen atom of 2,2-dimethylbutane, C6H14, is replaced by one chlorine atom. More than one compound of formula C6H13... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In a particular chlorination reaction, a single hydrogen atom of 2,2-dimethylbutane, C6H14, is replaced by one chlorine atom - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the structure of 2,2-dimethylbutane
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Answer
2,2-dimethylbutane is a branched alkane with the formula C6H14. It has two methyl groups attached to the second carbon of the butane backbone.
Step 2
Analyze possible positions for chlorination
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Answer
In the chlorination reaction, chlorine can replace a hydrogen atom on any carbon atom. Given the symmetrical nature of 2,2-dimethylbutane, we need to consider unique products resulting from chlorination.
Step 3
Count unique products
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Answer
When considering chlorination:
Replacing a hydrogen from one of the terminal CH3 groups gives one unique product (C6H13Cl).
Replacing a hydrogen from the central carbon (C2) also results in a unique product due to the identical environments of the hydrogen atoms.
Thus, the total number of unique chlorinated products is 4.
