Question

5. A carbon-containing compound 'X' reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide,
water, heat and light. 'X' also reacts with chlorine to form methyl chloride and
hydrochloric acid. Identify compound 'X' and write the balanced chemical equation
for the above-mentioned reactions.​

Answer 1

The compound X is methane - $CH_{4}$

Combustion:

$CH_{4} + <strong>2</strong>O_{2} ---> CO_{2}\\ + <strong>2</strong>H_{2}O + heat/light \:energy$

Substitution reaction:

$CH_{4} + Cl_{2} ---> CH_{3}Cl \\+ HCl$