The substitution of chlorine for hydrogen atoms in higher homologues of alkanes typically results in a mixture of chlorinated hydrocarbons, varying in the number of chlorine atoms substituted onto the carbon chain.
What are the products typically formed when chlorine substitutes hydrogen atoms in the higher homologues of alkanes?
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When chlorine substitutes hydrogen atoms in the higher homologues of alkanes (such as higher molecular weight alkanes), a mixture of products known as chlorinated derivatives or chlorinated alkanes is formed. These products result from free radical substitution reactions initiated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Multiple hydrogen atoms in the larger hydrocarbon molecule can be replaced by chlorine atoms, yielding a mixture of mono-, di-, tri-, and so on, chlorinated products. The specific chlorination pattern depends on factors like reaction conditions and the availability of hydrogen atoms in different positions within the hydrocarbon chain.