Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Allylic Halogenation
Allylic halogenation is a reaction where a halogen atom is introduced at the allylic position of an alkene. This position is adjacent to the double bond, and the reaction typically involves the use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in the presence of light or heat to generate radicals. The process is selective for the allylic position due to the stability of the allylic radical intermediate.
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The general mechanism of Allylic Halogenation.
Radical Mechanism
The radical mechanism is a chain reaction involving initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In allylic halogenation, the initiation step generates radicals, often through the homolytic cleavage of a halogen molecule. Propagation involves the abstraction of a hydrogen atom from the allylic position, forming a stable allylic radical, which then reacts with a halogen molecule to form the halogenated product and regenerate the radical.
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The mechanism of Radical Polymerization.
Stability of Allylic Radicals
Allylic radicals are more stable than typical alkyl radicals due to resonance stabilization. The unpaired electron in an allylic radical can be delocalized over the π system of the adjacent double bond, distributing the radical character over multiple atoms. This delocalization lowers the energy of the radical, making allylic positions more reactive in radical halogenation reactions.
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The radical stability trend.