Skip to main content
Ch.22 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 22, Problem 47b,d

List all the possible products for each alkane substitution reaction. (Assume monosubstitution.) b. CH3CH2CH3 + Cl2 → d.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the alkane involved in the substitution reaction. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula C_nH_{2n+2}.
Understand that in a monosubstitution reaction, one hydrogen atom in the alkane is replaced by a substituent, typically a halogen like Cl or Br.
Consider the structure of the alkane to determine the number of unique hydrogen atoms that can be substituted. This depends on the symmetry and branching of the alkane.
For each unique hydrogen atom, replace it with the substituent to form a new product. Each unique substitution will result in a different product.
List all the possible products formed from the substitution of each unique hydrogen atom in the alkane.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
3m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Alkane Structure

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting only 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 the products of substitution reactions, as the position of the hydrogen atom being replaced will influence the resulting compound.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:20
Naming Alkanes Example

Substitution Reactions

Substitution reactions involve the replacement of one atom or group in a molecule with another atom or group. In the context of alkanes, monosubstitution refers to the replacement of a single hydrogen atom with a halogen (like Cl or Br) during a reaction with halogens. This process is fundamental in organic chemistry, as it leads to the formation of haloalkanes, which have different properties than the original alkane.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:08
Alcohol Reactions: Substitution Reactions

Regioselectivity

Regioselectivity refers to the preference of a chemical reaction to occur at one location over another in a molecule. In alkane substitution reactions, the position where the hydrogen is replaced can lead to different products, especially in branched alkanes. Understanding regioselectivity helps predict the major products formed during the reaction, as certain positions may be more favorable for substitution due to steric and electronic factors.