The free-radical bromination of inexpensive 2-methylbutane using neat Br2 takes place smoothly using a conveniently designed microscale glassware setup to provide a single major product. This product is readily identified as 2-bromo-2-methylbutane by comparison of the observed 1H NMR spectrum to spectra predicted for each of the potential products. This laboratory experiment demonstrates the powerful use of 1H NMR spectroscopy as a means for identification of a major reaction product from the spectrum of a crude reaction mixture.
Gary W. Breton (Wed,) studied this question.