2-Chloro-2-Methylbutane Exercises:
1. The work-up procedures for the reactions in this section call for washing the "crude"
chloroalkanes with sodium bicarbonate solution.
a. What purpose does this wash serve ?
b. This washing procedure is accompanied by vigorous gas evolution, which
increases the difficulty of handling and requires considerable caution.
Alternatively, one might consider using a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide
instead of sodium bicarbonate. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages
of using these two basic solutions in the work-up. On the basis of these
considerations, why were you instructed to use sodium bicarbonate, even though
it is more difficult to handle ?
2. Why is saturated sodium chloride solution, rather than dilute solution, specified for the final
washing of the product ?
3. The procedures call for the drying of the chloroalkanes with anhydrous magnesium sulfate.
Could solid sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide be used for this purpose? Explain.
4. Determine the limiting reagent for the preparation of 2-chloro-2-methylbutane, and calculate
the theoretical yield of the product.
5. Why is this reaction carried out at room temperature rather than at elevated temperatures?
