Question

Why is 2 chloro butane formed faster than 1 chloro butane in the chlorination of N butane?

Answer 1

When a chlorine radical reacts with butane, it can abstract a hydrogen atom from an internal carbon, thereby forming a secondary alkyl radical, or it can abstract a hydrogen atom from a terminal carbon, thereby forming a primary alkyl radical. Because it is easier to form the more stable secondary alkyl radical, 2 - chlorobutane is formed faster than 1 - chlorobutane.