Question

In the reaction of $Cl_{2}$ on $CH_{4}$ in sunlight, which of the following compound is not formed

• A. $CHCl_{3}$
• B. $CH_{3}Cl$
• C. $CH_{3}CH_{3}$
• D. $CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{3}$

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$CH_{4}\overset{C l_{2}}{ \rightarrow }CH_{3}Cl\overset{C l_{2}}{ \rightarrow }CH_{2}Cl_{2}\overset{C l_{2}}{ \rightarrow }CHCl_{3}\overset{C l_{2}}{ \rightarrow }CCl_{4}$

Since this reaction takes place by free radical mechanism. Hence, there is a possibility of formation of ethane.

$\underset{\text{Methyl} \, \text{free} \, \text{radicals}}{\overset{\cdot }{\text{C}} \text{H}_{\text{3}} \, \text{+} \, \overset{\cdot }{\text{C}} \text{H}_{\text{3}}} \rightarrow \underset{\text{Ethane}}{\text{CH}_{\text{3}} - \text{CH}_{\text{3}}}$