Question

The major products A and B in the following reactions are

• A. A=CN and B = CN
• B. A=> CN and B = MCN CN
• C. A= and B = CN
• D. A= and B =

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

A=> CN and B = MCN CN

Answer 2

The first reaction is the abstraction of a tertiary hydrogen from isopropyl cyanide by a peroxide radical, forming a tertiary radical A: (CH3)2C•CN. The second reaction is the free radical addition of radical A to 1-butene. Radical A adds to the less substituted carbon of the double bond, forming a more stable secondary radical intermediate. This intermediate then abstracts a hydrogen atom from a hydrogen donor to form product B: (CH3)2C(CN)-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3.