Question

Which among the following on chlorination yields only one monochloroderivative?

• A. Isopentane
• B. Neopentane
• C. n-pentane
• D. 2, 3-Dimethylpentane

Hint:

In branched hydrocarbons like neopentane, chlorination often leads to fewer products, while unbranched or more complex hydrocarbons have more chlorination sites.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding chlorination.
Chlorination of hydrocarbons introduces a chlorine atom at a position in the molecule. Neopentane is a branched compound that has only one possible site for chlorination, resulting in only one monochloroderivative.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Isopentane: Incorrect. Isopentane has two possible positions for chlorination, leading to more than one monochloroderivative.
(B) Neopentane: Correct — Neopentane has only one possible chlorination site, resulting in only one monochloroderivative.
(C) n-pentane: Incorrect. n-Pentane has several possible chlorination sites, leading to multiple products.
(D) 2, 3-Dimethylpentane: Incorrect. This compound has multiple chlorination sites, leading to more than one product.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) Neopentane, as it yields only one monochloroderivative upon chlorination.