Question

Among the isomeric alkanes of molecular formula C₅H₁₂, identify the one that on photochemical chlorination yields:
i. a single monochloride
ii. three isomeric monochlorides
iii. four isomeric monochlorides

Answer 1

In neopentane (C₅H₁₂), all the H-atoms are equivalent and hence, on photochemical chlorinationyields only one type of monohalogen derivative.

ii. In n-Pentane(C₅H₁₂), replacement of a,b or c type of H-atom leads to formation of three different types of monohalogen derivatives which are isomers of each other.

III. In isopentane (C₅H₁₂), replacement of a, b, c or d type of H-atoms leads to formation of four different types of monohalogen derivatives which are isomers of each other.