Question

Question: Which alkyl halides can be prepared in good yield by radical halogenation of an alkane?

Short answer

Answer

The tertiary alkyl halide (a) would be prepared in good yield by radical halogenation of an alkane.

Step-by-step solution

Radical halogenation

The organic reaction involving the substitution of the most reactive hydrogen atom in an alkane by a halide ion, namely chloride ion or bromide ion to form the corresponding alkyl halide is known as the radical halogenation reaction.

Predominance of alkyl halide

The relative stability of carbocations is as follows,

Tertiary > Secondary > Primary

Among the given set of alkyl halides, the one with the halide ion bonded to a tertiary carbon atom would be prepared in good yield.

a.

Therefore, compound (a) is prepared in good yield.