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16 October, 14:41

Identify the intermediate in the halogenation of alkanes. a) Anionb) Cationc) Radicald) Dimer

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  1. 16 October, 15:08
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    Answer: Option C - Radical

    Explanation:

    A radical is a chemical specie carrying a lone electron. In the halogenation of alkanes: take Methane CH4 as the alkane, and Chlorine Cl as the halogen.

    The step by step halogenation process is as follows:

    CH4 + Cl2 - -> CH3• + HCl + Cl•

    CH3• + Cl2 - -> CH3Cl + HCl

    CH3Cl + Cl2 - -> CH2Cl2 + HCl + Cl•

    CH2Cl2 + Cl2 - -> CHCl3 + HCl

    CHCl3 + Cl2 - -> CCl4 + HCl + Cl•

    Chlorine molecule attack methane knocking off an hydrogen atom from it and forming a methyl radical (CH3•), that is subsequently attack by another chlorine molecule. This cycle repeats itself, until no hydrogen atom is available for substitution by the highly reactive chlorine radical.

    Note: no cation or anion is formed in the halogenation process
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