List all the possible products for each alkane substitution reaction. (Assume monosubstitution.) a. CH₃CH₃ + Br₂ →

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of reaction: This is a halogenation reaction, specifically a bromination, where a hydrogen atom in an alkane is replaced by a bromine atom.
2. Determine the structure of the alkane: The given alkane is ethane (CH3CH3).
3. Consider the possible sites for substitution: In ethane, all hydrogen atoms are equivalent, so substitution can occur at any hydrogen.
4. Predict the product of the substitution: Replacing one hydrogen atom with a bromine atom in ethane will yield bromoethane (CH3CH2Br).
5. Conclude with the possible product: Since all hydrogens are equivalent, the only monosubstitution product is bromoethane.

Key Concepts

Alkane Structure

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, connected by single bonds. Their general formula is CnH2n+2, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. Understanding the structure of alkanes is crucial for predicting their reactivity in substitution reactions, as it determines how many hydrogen atoms can be replaced.

Substitution Reactions

Substitution reactions involve the replacement of one atom or group in a molecule with another atom or group. In the case of alkanes, this typically occurs when a halogen, such as bromine, reacts with the alkane, resulting in the substitution of a hydrogen atom. This process is often initiated by heat or light, which helps to break the bonds in the reactants.

Monosubstitution Products

In a monosubstitution reaction, only one hydrogen atom in the alkane is replaced by a halogen atom. For example, when ethane (CH3CH3) reacts with bromine (Br2), the possible products include bromoethane (C2H5Br) and hydrogen bromide (HBr). Identifying the products requires understanding the positions where substitution can occur, leading to different isomers.