Mechanism of Monochlorination of Methane - Termination Flashcards
What is the termination stage?
This is the stage where the reaction comes to an end
The reaction is stopped when a number of reactions takes place, what do all of these reactions involve?
They all involve free radicals or atoms combining with each other to form molecules
How many cycles can the reaction go through before termination occurs?
The chain reaction can go through hundreds or thousands of cycles before termination occurs
Why should these reactions never be taken place in schools?
Because they are extremely fast and because of their explosive nature
What happens if tetramethyl lead is added to the reaction mixture?
There is a marked increase in the rate of reaction
The addition of what compound leads to the marked increase in the rate of reaction?
Tetramethyl lead
Why does tetramethyl lead increase the rate of reaction?
It decomposes to form methyl radicals which are fed into the system and increase the reaction of step 3 which is then followed by step 2 and so on to increase the overall rate of formation of chloromethane
What is the chlorination of methane commonly referred to as?
A free radical substitution reaction
Termination involves free radicals or atoms combining with each other to form molecules, name the three reactions which bring about termination.
Two chlorine radicals combine to form a chlorine molecule (Cl2)
A chlorine free radical combines with a methyl free radical to form chloromethane
Two methyl radicals combine to form ethane
How does termination occur?
Termination involves free radicals or atoms combining with each other to form molecules,
What combine together to form a chlorine molecule during termination?
Two chlorine radicals
What is formed when two chlorine radicals combine together?
A chlorine molecule (Cl2)
What combine together to form chloromethane (CH3Cl)
a chlorine free radical and a methyl free radical
What is formed when a chlorine free radical and a methyl free radical combine?
Chloromethane is formed
What is the formula for chloromethane?
CH3Cl
