Question

2-chlorobutane obtained by chlorination of butane, will be:

• A. Meso-form
• B. l - form
• C. d - form
• D. Racemic form

Answer 1

The correct option is D Racemic form

An optically inactive n-butane reacts with chlorine gas to give optically active 2-chlorobutane.
The reaction follows a free radical mechanism.

The free radical of butane

formed is planar, which implies chlorine free radical may attack from either side forming two molecules with opposite configuration.

Hence 2-chlorobutane formed will be a racemic mixture.
Option (b) is correct.