Question

Be sure to answer all parts.

Write equations for the initiation and propagation steps for the formation of dichloromethane by free-radical chlorination of chloromethane. Draw the structure of the products of each equation.
Be sure
to include lone pair(s) of electrons where necessary.
Please clearly show both propogation steps and the organic + inorganic radical.

Answer 1

CH3Cl + Cl2 -> CH2ClCH2Cl + HCl

Step-by-step explanation:

Chlorination is an addition reaction that involves addition of Chlorine to a chemical compound. Methane undergo addition reaction with chlorine to produce chloromethane, which undergo further further chlorination to produce dichloromethane.

For the chlorination of methane, one of the hydrogen atoms of methane is replaced by a chlorine atom of the chlorine gas (molecule)

CH4 + Cl2 -> CH3Cl + HCl

methane chlorine chloromethane Hydrochloric acid

Using their structure:

H H

I I

H - C - H + Cl - Cl -> H - C - Cl + HCl

I I

H H

methane chloromethane

In further chlorination of chloromethane, one of the hydrogen atom of chloromethane is replaced by the chlorine atom in the chlorine gas (molecule)

Chlorination of Chloromethane to dichloromethane is represented below:

CH3Cl + Cl2 -> CH2ClCH2Cl + HCl

Chloromethane Chlorine dichloromethane Hydrochloric acid

Using their structure:

Cl Cl

I I

H - C - H + Cl - Cl -> H - C - Cl + HCl

I I

H H

Chloromethane chlorine dichloromethane

Organic compound Inorganic compound

From the chemical equation above, an organic compound (Chloromethane) reacts with an inorganic compound (Chlorine) .