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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3o2059

Which of the following halogens shows the highest selectivity in free radical halogenation of alkanes?

  1. A
  2. BAll show the same selectivity
  3. C
  4. D

Answer: D

The bromine radical is less reactive than the chlorine radical, so its hydrogen abstraction has a late transition state and is very sensitive to the stability of the alkyl radical formed. Bromination is therefore the most selective of the practical halogenations, and is the least selective.
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