Later in the course, we will compare the halogenation of differently substituted carbons, comparing reactions like the ones below. Which of the following reactions has a more exothermic heat of reaction (∆H^o)? A) Reaction I has a more exothermic heat of reaction (∆H^o) B) Reaction II has a more exothermic heat of reaction (∆H^o) C) Both reactions have the same heat of reaction (∆H^o)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reaction II has a more exothermic heat of reaction (∆H^o) because the carbon atom in position 2 is more substituted with methyl groups, making it more stable and less prone to radical formation during the halogenation reaction. This means that less energy is required to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds and form the C-Cl bond, resulting in a more exothermic reaction.

Later in the Course, We Will Compare the Halogenation of Differently