Question

In the free radical chlorination of methane, the chain initiation step involves the formation of:

• A. Hydrogen chloride
• B. Methyl radical
• C. Chloromethyl radical
• D. Chlorine radical

Answer 1

The correct option is D Chlorine radical

In the free radical chlorination of methane, the chain initiation step involves the formation of chlorine radical. Here, the homolytic cleavage of $C{l}_2$ molecule takes place in the presence of heat or light because $Cl-Cl$ bond is weaker than $C-C$ and $C-H$. Hence, $Cl-Cl$ is easier to break and forms chlorine radicals.
Chlorination of methane: