Chapter 10, Problem 8PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: An alkane, on reaction with chlorine, gives a single monochloro substitution product. Based on this information, the structure of the alkane is to be deduced.

Concept introduction:

Higher alkanes, on chlorination, give a mixture of products as chlorine is unselective.

If all the hydrogen atoms are homotopic, the halogenation of the alkane or the cycloalkane gives a single monochloro substitution product.

The hydrogen atoms that, on replacement by some other group, yield the same compound are known as homotopic hydrogens.