Question

Explain why c6h5ch2ch2br is not formed during the radical bromination of c6h5ch2ch3. select the single best answer.

Answer 1

Hi!

The radical bromination reaction of C₆H₅CH₂CH₃ is performed through a mechanism in which radical reactions are involved. This compound is an alkylbenzene compound, and the carbon that is more reactive towards radical bromination is the carbon bonded to the aromatic ring because in the reaction mechanism the intermediaries are stabilized by resonance in the aromatic ring. 

A terminal substitution will not occur because substitution there will not be stabilized by resonance. The compound that will be formed in this reaction would be:

C₆H₅CH₂CH₃ + Br₂ → C₆H₅CH₂(Br)CH₃ + HBr