2.14.1 Free Radical Substitution

Question 1

What is homolytic fission?

Answer 1

When the covalent bond between two atoms break, one electron can be transferred to each atom

Question 2

What are the products of homolytic fission called?

Answer 2

Free radicals

Question 3

Why are free radicals very reactive?

Answer 3

The unpaired electron is available for bonding

Question 4

What is an essential condition for free radical substitution?

Answer 4

UV light

Question 5

What is produced when methane and chlorine react in UV light?

Answer 5

Chloromethane and hydrogen chloride

Question 6

What happens in the initiation stage of free radical substitution?

Answer 6

The UV light breaks the Cl-Cl bond

- Cl2 –> 2Cl.

Question 7

What happens in the propagation stage of free radical substitution?

Answer 7

A chlorine radical reacts with methane

The methyl radical can then react with another chlorine molecule

Question 8

What is the termination stage of free radical substitution?

Answer 8

When two free radicals react together to form a molecule

Question 9

What will happen if there is further free radical substitution?

Answer 9

More chlorine is added to the alkene

Question 10

What happens when chlorine is in excess during free radical substitution?

Answer 10

There is more chance of CCl4 being produced