Moderate

The reaction of chlorine with methane is carried out in the presence of diffused sunlight. What is function of the light?

Correct answer: B. To break up the chlorine molecules into free radicals

  • A. To break up the C - H bonds in methane
  • B. To break up the chlorine molecules into free radicals
  • C. To heat up the mixture
  • D. To break up the chlorine molecules into ions

Explanation

Sunlight provides the energy required to break the relatively weak chlorine-chlorine bond, leading to the formation of chlorine radicals. These radicals then participate in the radical chain reaction with methane. Option B is correct because it accurately describes the function of light in this reaction. Option A is incorrect because sunlight does not directly break C-H bonds in methane. Option C is incorrect because while sunlight does contribute to heating, its primary role is initiating the reaction. Option D is incorrect because sunlight does not break chlorine molecules into ions, but into free radicals.

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About Chemistry of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are studied through the structures and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds. Coverage includes free radical substitution in alkanes, electrophilic addition to carbon-carbon multiple bonds, benzene substitution, aromatic stability and the difference between addition reactions of alkenes and substitution reactions of benzene.

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