Free radical bromination of pentane results in poor yields of 1-bromopentane, while cyclopentane can be readily brominated under similar conditions to yield bromocyclopentane. Offer an explanation.

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Natalie Smalls · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : In the bromination of pentane, the lowest energy reaction pathways go through secondary free radical intermediates to produce secondary alkyl bromides (2-bromopentane and 3-bromopentane). Thus 1-bromopentane is a very minor product. All of the hydrogen atom abstractions of cyclopentane lead to the same secondary radical which eventually leads to bromocyclopentane.

Free radical bromination of pentane results in poor yields of 1-bromopentane, while cyclopentane can be readily brominated under similar conditions to yield bromocyclopentane. Offer an explanation.

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