Question

How many isomers (including stereoisomers) can be obtained by free radical chlorination of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane?

Answer 1

Total 6 monochloro isomers (including stereoisomers) can be obtained as explained below.

Explanation:

Trying to write an answer assuming that the isomers of momno chloro drivative are wanted here.

The structural formula of `2.2.4-"trimethylpentane"` is given above. Here exists no stereogenic center as no C-atom is bonded with 4 different atoms or groups.

Here `C_2` is linked with 3 `CH_3` groups where 9 H-atoms are equivalent.

So mono chloro derivative of the compound formed due to replacement of any one of these 9 H-atoms by a Cl -atom will produce same compound `1"-chloro-"2,2,4"-trimethylpentane"` having following structure.

When one Cl atom replaces any one of 2 H-atoms linked with original `C_3` atom , the C-atom becomes chiral and formation of following two stereo isomers becomes possible.

When a Cl atom replaces only one H-atom bonded with the original `C_4` atom, no C-atom becomes chiral and only one possible isomer formed is as follows

Again when a Cl atom replaces any H-atom of any one of the two `CH_3` groups attached with original `C _4` atom then this original `C_4`-atom becomes chiral and following 2 stereo isomers are formed.