What is the chlorination of methane?
If a mixture of methane and chlorine is exposed to a flame, it explodes – producing carbon and hydrogen chloride. The reaction we are going to explore is a more gentle one between methane and chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light – typically sunlight. …
What is the chain propagation of chlorination of methane?
chain propagation (two steps): a hydrogen atom is pulled off from methane leaving a primary methyl radical. The methyl radical then pulls a Cl• from Cl2. This results in the desired product plus another chlorine radical. This radical will then go on to take part in another propagation reaction causing a chain reaction.
What is the final product in the chlorination of methane?
carbon tetrachloride
Thus the final product of chlorination of methane in the sunlight is carbon tetrachloride, i.e. option D is the correct answer.
What is the reactivity of Cl?
Chlorine is intermediate in reactivity between fluorine and bromine, and is one of the most reactive elements. Chlorine is a weaker oxidising agent than fluorine but a stronger one than bromine or iodine. Chlorine tends to react with compounds including M–M, M–H, or M–C bonds to form M–Cl bonds.
Is the ΔH for the chlorination of methane negative?
Since, the ΔH for the chlorination of methane is negative, the reaction is exothermic. Energetically this reaction is favorable. In order to better understand this reaction we need to look at the mechanism ( a detailed step by step look at the reaction showing how it occurs) by which the reaction occurs.
What is the reactivity of methine in radical chlorination?
Note that in radical chlorination reactions, the reactivity of methine, methylene and methyl hydrogens decreases in the ratio of approximately 5 : 3.5 : 1. This will aid in the prediction of expected products from the monochlorination of a given alkane.
Which is a photochemical reaction between methane and chlorine?
This is not a very useful reaction! The reaction we are going to explore is a more gentle one between methane and chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light – typically sunlight. This is a good example of a photochemical reaction – a reaction brought about by light.
How are orbital interactions involved in radical chlorination of methane?
Animation of orbital interactions in the radical chlorination of methane. The chlorination of methane follows a radical chain mechanism. If the reaction is initiated once, it may proceed for a while by the continuous repetition of the chain propagation cycle.