Halogens (chlorineCl2 and bromine Br2 ) react with alkanes in the presence of ultraviolet light to form haloalkanes.This reeaction is free radical substitution and gives a mixture of mono, di or polysubstituted haloalkanes which are difficult to separate into pure components. Moreover, the yeild of any one compound is low because of the formation of other compounds. For example, in case of butane, a mixture of 1−Chlorobutane (28%)1−Chlorobutane (28%) and 2−Chlorobutane (72%)2−Chlorobutane (72%) is obtained, where secondary alkyl halide is obtained as major than primary. and thus similarly for tertiary.
formed in high quantity
approve if useful
and thiCH3CH2CH2CH3−→−−−−−−Cl2, UV lightCH3CH2CH2CH2Cl+CH3CH2CHClCH3
tertiary>secondary>primary