Mechanism of Monochlorination of Methane - Propagation

Question 1

What is the first thing that happens in the propagation stage?

Answer 1

A chlorine atom attacks a methane molecule to form hydrogen chloride and a species called a methyl free radical

Question 2

What does a chlorine atom attack?

Answer 2

A methane molecule

Question 3

What is formed when a chlorine atom attacks a methane molecule?

Answer 3

A hydrogen chloride is formed and a species called a methyl free radical

Question 4

What forms a hydrogen chloride and a methyl free radical?

Answer 4

A chlorine atom attacking a methane molecule forms them

Question 5

What is a free radical?

Answer 5

A free radical is simply any atom or group of atoms with an unpaired electron

Question 6

What is the symbol for a free radical?

Answer 6

It shows the unpaired electron as a dot

Question 7

What does propagation always involve the use of free radicals to do?

Answer 7

To produce another free radical

Question 8

Are free radicals very reactive or not very reactive?

Answer 8

They are very reactive

Question 9

Why are free radicals not very reactive?

Answer 9

As they do not have a full octet of electrons in their outer energy level

Question 10

What do free radicals do to the human body?

Answer 10

They are believed to be related to the process of aging

Question 11

List the steps that occur during the propagation stage.

2

Answer 11

Chlorine atom attacks a methane molecule

Hydrogen chloride and methyl free radical are formed