Question

$\text{2-chlorobutane} + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow \text{C}_4\text{H}_8\text{Cl}_2 \, (\text{isomers})$
$\text{Total number of optically active isomers shown by} \, \text{C}_4\text{H}_8\text{Cl}_2, \, \text{obtained in the above reaction is} \, \_\_\_\_\_\_.$

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 6

When 2-chlorobutane reacts with chlorine (Cl₂) under light (Cl₂/hv), multiple isomers of C₄H₈Cl₂ are formed due to the possible substitution of hydrogen atoms by chlorine at different positions.

To determine the number of optically active isomers, we follow this approach:

The reaction yields several structural isomers of C₄H₈Cl₂ depending on the position where chlorine substitutes. Some of these isomers exhibit chirality due to the presence of chiral centers (carbon atoms bonded to four different groups).

Among the possible isomers, six have chiral centers, making them optically active. These isomers can exist as enantiomers (mirror-image pairs), further contributing to their optical activity.

The total number of optically active isomers formed in this reaction is 6.