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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3g3125

Neopentane is allowed to react with in the presence of light, and only monochlorination is considered. The product obtained is

  1. A2-chloro-3-methylbutane
  2. B1-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane only
  3. Ca mixture of 1-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane and 2-chloro-2-methylbutane
  4. D2-chloro-2-methylbutane, formed by rearrangement

Answer: B

All twelve hydrogens of neopentane are equivalent, so one alkyl radical, the neopentyl radical , is formed. Alkyl radicals do not normally undergo the 1,2-methyl shifts seen in carbocations. Hence only 1-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane is obtained.
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