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

(i) To have a single monochloride, there should be only one type of H-atom in the isomer of the alkane of the molecular formula C₅H₁₂. This is because, replacement of any H-atom leads to the formation of the same product. The isomer is neopentane.

Neopentane

(ii) To have three isomeric monochlorides, the isomer of the alkane of the molecular formula C₅H₁₂ should contain three different types of H-atoms.

Therefore, the isomer is n-pentane. It can be observed that there are three types of H atoms labelled as a, b and c in n-pentane.

(iii) To have four isomeric monochlorides, the isomer of the alkane of the molecular formula C₅H₁₂ should contain four different types of H-atoms. Therefore, the isomer is 2-methylbutane. It can be observed that there are four types of H-atoms labelled as a, b, c, and d in 2-methylbutane.