Question

Is the chlorination of methane a free radical halogenation?

Answer 1

Yes, the chlorination of methane is a free radical reaction.

Explanation:

There are three major steps in the reaction.

Step 1. Initiation

The initiation step involves the homolytic cleavage of a `"Cl-Cl"` bond to form two `"Cl"` atoms.

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Step 2. Propagation

• A `"C"` atom removes an `"H"` from methane, producing `"HCl"` and a methyl radical.

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• The newly-formed methyl radical abstracts a `"Cl"` from a chlorine molecule, producing chloromethane and re-forming a `"Cl"` atom.

Step 3. Termination

In the termination steps, the radicals combine in all possible combinations.

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The termination products are chlorine, chloromethane, and ethane.