When cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane undergoes free radical bromination and the product is subjected to fractional distillation, 2 fractions are collected neither of which is optically active.
When trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane undergoes free radical bromination and the product is subjected to fractional distillation, 2 fractions are collected and both are optically active.
How many products are there for each? And why are there only 2 fractions? We've been trying to figure this out all weekend without any luck. I know that because the cis compound is meso it is achiral and therefore its products are achiral...but I'm still really confused. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Casey