Question

Which of the following is used in the isomerization of alkanes:
A.\[Cu/{300^{\text{o}}}{\text{C}}\]
B.$LiAl{H_4}$
C.${\text{Anhy}}{\text{. }}AlC{l_3}/HCl$
D.\[{V_2}{O_5}/{500^{\text{o}}}{\text{C}}\]

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question you should recall the concept of isomerism or isomerization of alkanes. Isomers refer to compounds with similar chemical formulas but a different arrangement of constituent atoms. It is formed in the presence of a Lewis acid.

Complete step by step solution:
Process of conversion of one isomer into another is called isomerisation, in this process \[AlC{l_3} + HCl\] is used as a catalyst under high temperature and pressure.
In isomerisation n-alkanes on heating in the presence of anhydrous \[AlC{l_3}\] ​ and \[HCl\;\] gas isomerise to branched-chain alkanes. The mechanism of the above reaction has been represented below using an alkane. For simplicity let us take a molecule of butane:
Initiation: The Lewis acid, \[AlC{l_3}\] helps in stabilizing the chloride ion from \[HCl\] when hydrogen ion is used to protonate the butene. This results in the formation of a secondary carbocation which undergoes methyl shift to form a primary carbocation.

Propagation: Another alkane attacks the newly formed carbocation, and supplies a hydride ion to the carbocation to complete this reaction involving the carbocation. The same process is followed to generate another carbocation which regenerates a carbocation at the beginning of this step.

Termination

Thus, we can conclude that the correct answer to this question is option C.

Note:
You should know about the isomerisation of an alkene. Terminal alkenes isomerize to internal alkenes in the presence of metal catalysts. An important process which involves this mechanism is Shell higher olefin process to convert alpha-olefins to internal olefins, which are subjected to olefin metathesis.