NEET2026ChemistryChapterActual
The skeletal structure of a cyclic hydrocarbon is shown in the figure above. Which of the following is the correct observation when this compound is shaken with aqueous bromine ( Br₂/H₂O ) at room temperature in the absence of light?
Options
- AThe reddish-brown colour of the solution is rapidly decolorized due to an addition reaction.
- BA white precipitate of a polybrominated derivative is immediately formed.
- CThe reddish-brown colour of the bromine water remains unchanged.
- DThe solution turns colourless with brisk effervescence of hydrogen bromide gas.
Correct answer
C. The reddish-brown colour of the bromine water remains unchanged.
Step-by-step solution
The skeletal structure shown in the figure represents cyclohexane, which is a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon (cycloalkane). Aqueous bromine ( Br₂/H₂O ), also known as bromine water, is a reddish-brown solution commonly used to test for unsaturation (presence of carbon-carbon double or triple bonds). Unsaturated compounds undergo rapid electrophilic addition reactions with bromine, causing the reddish-brown colour to decolorize. Since cyclohexane is a saturated compound containing only single bonds, it does not underg