Substitution Reactions - Halogenation of Alkanes

Question 1

Define a substitution reaction.

Answer 1

A substitution reaction is a chemical reaction in which an atom or group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms

Question 2

Give an example of a substitution reaction undergone by alkanes.

Answer 2

Alkanes reaction with halogens in the presence of ultraviolet light

Question 3

During the reaction of chlorine with methane, what occurs?

Answer 3

One of the hydrogen atoms in methane has been replaced (substituted) by a chlorine atom to form the new compound chloromethane

Question 4

What occurs during the reaction between chlorine and methane if excess chlorine is used?

Answer 4

Further substitution takes place to form dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), trichloromethane (CHCl3) and eventually tetrachloromethane (CCl4)

Question 5

What is the process of replacing just one atom of hydrogen with one atom of chlorine called?

Answer 5

Monochlorination

Question 6

What is monochlorination?

Answer 6

The replacing of one atom of hydrogen with one atom of chlorine