Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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Question
Using arrows show the flow of electron, write a stepwise mechanism for the following reaction.

Transcribed Image Text:The image illustrates a chemical reaction involving the halogenation of an alkane.
**Description of the Reaction:**
- On the left side, the structure depicts 2-methylbutane, an alkane with two methyl groups and a butyl chain.
- The reaction involves chlorine gas (\( \text{Cl}_2 \)) and is initiated by light energy (\( h\nu \)), indicating a photochemical halogenation process.
- On the right side, the resulting product is 2-chloro-2-methylbutane, where a chlorine atom has replaced a hydrogen atom on the tertiary carbon atom adjacent to the methyl groups.
**Reaction Mechanism Overview:**
1. **Initiation Step:**
- The \( \text{Cl}_2 \) molecule is split into two chlorine radicals (\( \text{Cl} \cdot \)) by light energy (\( h\nu \)).
2. **Propagation Steps:**
- A chlorine radical abstracts a hydrogen atom from the alkane, forming hydrochloric acid (\( \text{HCl} \)) and a carbon radical.
- The carbon radical reacts with another \( \text{Cl}_2 \) molecule to form the chloroalkane and regenerate a chlorine radical, propagating the chain reaction.
This reaction is a classic example of free radical halogenation in organic chemistry.
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