Question

Assuming the relative rate of secondary hydrogen atom abstraction for the chlorination of propane is 3.9 times faster than the rate of primary hydrogen abstraction, calculate the relative amounts of propyl chloride and isopropyl chloride obtained in the free radical chlorination of propane. Based on the calculation what percentage of the mixture is expected to be 1−propylchloride?

Answer 1

Answer:

% of n-propyl chloride = 43.48 %

Explanation:

There are 2 secondary hydrogens and 6 primary hydrogens

The rate of abstraction of seondary hydrogen = 3.9 X rate of abstraction of primary hydrogen

probability of formation of isopropyl chloride = 3.9 X 1 (relative rate X relative number of secondary hydrogens)

Probability of formation of n-propyl chloride = 1 X 3 (relative rate X relative number of primary hydrogens)

Total probability = 3.9

% of n-propyl chloride = 3 X 100 / 6.9 = 43.48 %