Question

Write the condensed structural formula for the major organic product of the following reaction in the presence of light (assume that only one mole of Br2 reacted). Name the reaction mechanism and summarize in words the main steps of the mechanism.

(CH3)4C + Br2

Answer 1

(CH3)3CCH2Br

Step-by-step explanation:

This reaction proceeds by the following mechanism;

First, irradiation with light of appropriate frequency leads to the homolytic fission of the bromine molecule to yield two bromine free radicals. This is the initiation step of the reaction.

The free radical now attacks one of the -CH3 groups in neopentane leading to the formation of (CH3)3CCH2Br.