Question

Methane reacts with chlorine in the presence of sunlight and gives ___________.

• A. Ethyl chloride
• B. Hydrogen chloride
• C. Methyl chloride and hydrogen chloride
• D. Methyl chloride

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Methyl chloride and hydrogen chloride

Explanation for the correct option:

(C)

• Methane $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$ on reaction with chlorine $\left({\mathrm{Cl}}_2\right)$ in presence of sunlight forms Methyl chloride $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{Cl}\right)$ and Hydrogen chloride $\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$ take place. The reaction is known as substitution reaction. The chemical equation for the reaction is as follows:
• ${\mathrm{CH}}_4+{\mathrm{Cl}}_2\stackrel{\mathrm{hv}}{\to }{\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{Cl}+\mathrm{HCl}$

Explanation for incorrect options:

(A) Ethyl chloride $\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{Cl}\right)$ is not obtained when methane reacts with chlorine in presence of sunlight. The formation of ethyl chloride takes place by the reaction of ethane with chlorine.

(B) Only Hydrogen chloride $\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$ is not obtained when methane reacts with chlorine in presence of sunlight.

(D) Only Methyl chloride $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{Cl}\right)$ is not obtained when methane reacts with chlorine in presence of sunlight.

Final Answer:

Hence, the correct option is (C) i.e. methyl chloride and hydrogen chloride.