Question

Methane can be converted into ethane by :

• A. chlorination followed by the reaction with alcoholic $KOH$
• B. chlorination followed by the reaction with aqueous $KOH$
• C. chlorination followed by Wurtz reaction
• D. chlorination followed by decarboxylation

Answer 1

The correct option is C chlorination followed by Wurtz reaction

Explanation:

To covert methane to ethane, i.e. $C{H}_{4}to{C}_2{H}_6,$ methane is treated with chlorine gas in the presence of ultraviolet light to form chloromethane. Chloro methane is treated with sodium metal and dry ether to form the product ethane. This process is also called Wurtz synthesis.

Chemical reactions are as follows:

$C{H}_4+C{l}_2\to C{H}_{3}Cl+HCl$ (in presence of sunlight) this is chlorination

$2C{H}_{3}Cl+Na\to C_2{H}_6$ (in presence of dry ether) this is wurtz reaction.

So, option C is correct