Isopentane (2-methylbutane) is subjected to free radical chlorination (). How many structurally dist — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The structure of 2-methylbutane is $CH_3-CH(CH_3)-CH_2-CH_3$. It contains four distinct types of hydrogen environments: 1) the primary hydrogens on C1, 2) the tertiary hydrogen on C2, 3) the secondary hydrogens on C3, and 4) the primary hydrogens on C4. Substitution at any of these positions leads to a unique structural isomer: 1-chloro-2-methylbutane, 2-chloro-2-methylbutane, 3-chloro-2-methylbutane, and 1-chloro-3-methylbutane. Total = 4.