A laboratory technician notes that alkyl iodides turn purple over time when exposed to light. Which process explains this observation?
Q1. A laboratory technician notes that alkyl iodides turn purple over time when exposed to light. Which process explains this observation?
Answer: Photolytic decomposition
Explanation: Light energy is sufficient to break the weak C-I bond, releasing purple iodine gas; oxidation is tempting but the mechanism is homolytic cleavage.