Question

What will be the major product, when 2-methyl butane undergoes bromination:

• A. 1-bromo-2-methyl butane
• B. 2-bromo-2-methyl butane
• C. 2-bromo-3-methyl butane
• D. 1-bromo-3-methyl butane

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2-bromo-2-methyl butane

We know that halogenation of alkanes follows free radical substitution in the presence of UV light. In the process of bromination of 2-methyl butane, bromine gets attached to that carbon atom which has the least steric hindrance and the extraction of H atom is relatively easy. This follows the reactivity order of:

tertiary hydrogen > secondary hydrogen > primary hydrogen

Therefore, the major product after bromination of 2-methyl butane will be

2-bromo-2-methyl butane.