11. Radical Reactions

For each alkane,

1. draw all the possible monochlorinated derivatives.

a. Cyclopentane

b. Methylcyclopentane

For each alkane,

2. determine whether free-radical chlorination would be a good way to make any of these monochlorinated derivatives. Will the reaction give mostly one major product?

a. Cyclopentane

b. Methylcyclopentane

Explain why free-radical halogenation usually gives mixtures of products.

How many dibrominated products could each of the compounds form if stereoisomers are included?

The following compounds have the same molecular formula as benzene. How many monobrominated products could each form?

1. HC≡CC≡CCH₂CH₃

2. CH₂=CHC≡CCH=CH₂

Free-radical bromination of the following compound introduces bromine primarily at the benzylic position next to the aromatic ring. If the reaction stops at the monobromination stage, two stereoisomers result.

a. Propose a mechanism to show why free-radical halogenation occurs almost exclusively at the benzylic position.

b. Draw the two stereoisomers that result from monobromination at the benzylic position.

c. Assign R and S configurations to the asymmetric carbon atoms in the products.

The following transformation was found to occur in areas with large NO₂ emissions. Suggest a mechanism for the reaction (J. Phys. Chem. 2013, 117, 14132–14140). [Hint: Use the fishhook arrows associated with radical reactions.]

The human body can excrete drugs and other exogenous molecules by converting them into polar, water-soluble compounds by a reaction similar to the autoxidation described in Section 11.6. Why are the following drug candidate molecules susceptible to oxidation by this pathway?

For each reaction, show which stereoisomers are obtained

1. NBS/∆/peroxide

2. Br₂/CH₂Cl₂

One danger associated with storing ether solvents is their tendency to form explosive peroxides when exposed to oxygen. Suggest a mechanism by which the hydroperoxide might form. You can assume the presence of X• to start the reaction.

Which ether is most apt to form a peroxide?

Which ether is least apt to form a peroxide?

Write an equation for the reaction of vitamin E with an oxidizing radical (RO•) to give ROH and a less reactive free radical.

A student adds NBS to a solution of 1-methylcyclohexene and irradiates the mixture with a sunlamp until all the NBS has reacted. After a careful distillation, the product mixture contains two major products of formula C₇H₁₁Br.

a. Draw the resonance forms of the three possible allylic free radical intermediates.

For each compound, predict the major product of free-radical bromination. Remember that bromination is highly selective, and only the most stable radical will be formed.

(a) cyclohexane

(b) methylcyclopentane