Final answer:
Multiple different monochlorobutanes, including positional isomers and stereoisomers, are formed in the free radical chlorination of butane.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the free radical chlorination of butane, multiple monochlorobutanes are formed including stereoisomers. The number of different monochlorobutanes can be determined by looking at the number of possible substituent positions on the butane molecule. Butane has a four-carbon chain, so it has four possible positions for substitution. Each position can be occupied by either a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom, resulting in multiple possible combinations.
For example, the substituents can be placed at positions 1, 2, 3, or 4. This gives us four different monochlorobutanes: 1-chlorobutane, 2-chlorobutane, 3-chlorobutane, and 4-chlorobutane. Additionally, these positions can have different stereochemistry, leading to even more stereoisomers.
Therefore, there are multiple different monochlorobutanes formed in the free radical chlorination of butane, including both positional isomers and stereoisomers.