How Does Compound A with Molecular Formula C5H12 Undergo Monochlorination?

What is the process of monochlorination and how does compound A, with the molecular formula C5H12, produce four different constitutional isomers?

Monochlorination Process:

Monochlorination involves the addition of a single chlorine atom to the compound. For compound A, with five carbon atoms and twelve hydrogen atoms, this process leads to the formation of various isomers due to the different possible arrangements of the atoms.

Formation of Isomers:

When a chlorine atom is added to the first carbon atom in the chain, the isomer 1-chloropentane is formed. Adding the chlorine atom to the second, third, and second carbon atom with a methyl group attached to the first carbon atom leads to the formation of 2-chloropentane, 3-chloropentane, and 2-methyl-1-chloropentane, respectively.

Conclusion:

Compound A, with the molecular formula C5H12, can undergo monochlorination to produce four different constitutional isomers. The different arrangements of carbon atoms in the molecule result in the formation of these isomers, namely 1-chloropentane, 2-chloropentane, 3-chloropentane, and 2-methyl-1-chloropentane.