Question

When methane reacts with chlorine, a range of compounds are formed. Identify the compounds.

• A. $C{H}_{3}Cl$
• B. $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$
• C. $CHC{l}_3$
• D. $CC{l}_4$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D)

The correct options are
A

$C{H}_{3}Cl$

B

$C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$

C

$CHC{l}_3$

D

$CC{l}_4$

During the substitution reaction of methane with chlorine, the chlorine atoms replace one hydrogen in each step. This continues till all hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms and carbon tetrachloride is formed. Following reactions take place during the substitution reaction of methane with chlorine to form carbon tetrachloride:

(i) $C{H}_4\left(g\right)+C{l}_2\left(g\right)\to C{H}_{3}Cl\left(g\right)+HCl\left(g\right)$

(ii) $C{H}_{3}Cl\left(g\right)+C{l}_2\left(g\right)\to C{H}_{2}C{l}_2\left(g\right)+HCl\left(g\right)$

(iii) $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2\left(g\right)+C{l}_2\left(g\right)\to CHC{l}_3\left(g\right)+HCl\left(g\right)$

(iv) $CHC{l}_3\left(g\right)+C{l}_2\left(g\right)\to CC{l}_4\left(g\right)+HCl\left(g\right)$

Therefore, compounds which are part of the mixture of compounds when methane reacts with chlorine are: $C{H}_{3}Cl$, $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$, $CHC{l}_3$ and $CC{l}_4$.