Halogenation of Methane (Chlorination)

CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl

Descripción general

Methane undergoes free radical substitution with chlorine in the presence of UV light or heat. The mechanism involves initiation (Cl₂ → 2Cl·), propagation (Cl· + CH₄ → CH₃· + HCl, CH₃· + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + Cl·), and termination. Further substitution can produce CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃, and CCl₄.

Participantes

Rol	Sustancia	Coeficiente	Estado
Reactivo	Methane CH₄	1	(g)
Reactivo	Chlorine Cl	1	(g)
Producto	Hydrochloric Acid HCl	1	(g)

Ejemplo cotidiano

Chloroform (CHCl₃), historically used as an anesthetic, is produced by multiple chlorination of methane.

Importancia industrial

El clorometano (CH₃Cl) se usa como agente de metilación y refrigerante. El diclorometano es un disolvente ampliamente utilizado. El cloroformo y el tetracloruro de carbono también se producen en esta vía.

Propiedades

Tipo: Organic
Reversible: No
Energía: Exotérmico
ΔH: -98,0 kJ/mol
Catalizador: UV light or heat

Reacciones relacionadas

Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA) Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone E2 Elimination (Dehydrohalogenation) Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Dehydration of Ethanol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Halogenation of Methane (Chlorination)?

The balanced equation is: CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl.

What type of reaction is Halogenation of Methane (Chlorination)?

Halogenation of Methane (Chlorination) is a organic reaction.

Is Halogenation of Methane (Chlorination) exothermic or endothermic?

Halogenation of Methane (Chlorination) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -98.0 kJ/mol.

What conditions are needed for Halogenation of Methane (Chlorination)?

This reaction requires a catalyst (UV light or heat).