Question

How many isomers can the reaction of `"trimethylmethane"` with ONE equiv of `Cl_2(g)` generate?

Answer 1

Two structural isomers are possible:

Explanation:

`(H_3C)_3CH +Cl_2 rarr (H_3C)_3C-Cl +HCl`

ELSE

`(H_3C)_3CH +Cl_2 rarr (H_3C)_2(H)C-CH_2Cl +HCl`

Substitution of the primary carbon is statistically favoured; yet substitution of the tertiary carbon is kinetically favoured. `"Tert-butyl chloride"` is thus the major product.