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Question #44501
The Question
A concentrated aqueous solution of potassium -pent-3-enoate is subjected to Kolbe's electrolysis using platinum electrodes. Assuming the reaction proceeds exclusively via radical dimerization (with complete stereochemical scrambling of the intermediate radical), a mixture of hydrocarbon products is formed. Let be the total number of structural isomers of the diene products, and be the total number of stereoisomers (accounting for all stereocenters and double bond geometries) among these products. Find the value of .
Options
- A.
13
- B.
10
- C.
15
- D.
4
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Mechanism_Trap
Don't get tricked by the process! Learn the mechanical traps used in competitive exam questions.
Concepts Behind This Question
Kolbe’s Electrolysis Mechanism|Resonance Energy and Stability|Stereochemical Outcome of Halogenation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The question tests the student's ability to recognize that Kolbe electrolysis of an allylic carboxylate generates a resonance-stabilized allylic radical, deviating from simple symmetrical dimerization.
The primary trap is overlooking resonance, leading students to predict only the symmetrical 1-1 dimerization product (yielding X=1, Y=3, X+Y=4).
A secondary trap involves miscalculating stereoisomers by forgetting to account for meso compounds or pseudo-asymmetry in symmetric molecules (yielding X=3, Y=12, X+Y=15).
The problem demands rigorous application of resonance theory and stereoisomer counting formulas for both symmetric and asymmetric molecules.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Chemistry |
| Chapter | Hydrocarbons - Class 11 Part 2 |
| Concept | Kolbe’s Electrolysis Mechanism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 7 |
| Target Solve Time | 160 sec |
| Access | Free |