Question

Write the equation of halogenation of n-butane with bromine

Answer 1

Answer:

CH3−CH2−CH3∣CH−Br

Br-Br bond cleavage forms 2 Br radicals. One radical reacts with n-butane, and a n- butane radicals is formed. This n-butane radical abstracts a Br atom from another Br-Br molecule, forminf 2- bromobutane and a new Br radical.

The carbon with the single electron in the n-butane is sp2 hybridized. The single electron is an unhybridized p orbital and the new bond to Br can form on either side of carbon, thus giving a 1:1 racemic mixture of the R and S isomer.