Halogenoalkanes Flashcards
What happened when alkanes react with uv-light?
they form halogenoalkanes and hydrogen halides
What is the equation fir the reaction with alkanes in uv-light
halogen + alkane > halogenoalkane + hydrogen halide
what is a free radical?
reactive species due to the pre of an unpaired electron
what happened in the initiation step?
uv light causes a covalent bond between halogens atoms to break and this creates 2 halogen radicals
X2 > 2X•
What happens in the first propagation step?
The halogen radical reacts with an alkane
radical removes a hydrogen from the alkane creating a hydrogen halide molecule
CH4 + X• > •CH3 + XH
alkane is left as a alkyl radical
What happens in the second propagation step?
alkyl radical reacts with a halogen molecule and created a halogenoalkane
remaining halogen is left as a halogen radical
•CH3 + X2 > •X + CH3X
What happens in the termination step?
2 radicals will react to form a molecule
either:
two halogen radicals
halogen radical + alkyl radical
two alkyl radicals
what are short chain chlorofluorocarbons used for?
they are gases and were used fir refrigerators
what are long chain chlorofluorocarbons used for?
dry cleaning and de-greasing solvents
what happened when chlorofluorocarbons are decomposed?
they form chlorine free radicals when in the atmosphere
why is the ozone layer important?
absorbs harmful uv radiation
how is a chlorine radical formed?
C-Cl breaks in the presence of uv radiation to form Cl•
R-Cl > R• + Cl•
What is the equation for the decomposition of ozone?
Cl• + O3 > ClO• + O2
What is the equation for ClO• attacking more radicals?
ClO• + O3 > 2O2 + Cl•
What is the overall equation to show ozone breakdown?
2O3 > 3O2