Question

how could u convert methane into chloroform by substitution reaction??

Answer 1

To create chloroform (CHCl3) from methane, you need to add chlorine to it and then heat the compound under 400 and 500 degrees Celsius.

CH3Cl or chloromethane and hydrochloric acid are formed. Repeat the process with the chloromethane just like done with methane.

Again repeat the process using dichloromethane obtained from earlier reaction to form chloroform respectively:

You can repeat the process on chloroform to get products chloromethane, dichloromethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride which can be separated by distillation.

CH4 + Cl2 -> CH3Cl + HCl CH3Cl + Cl2 -> CH2Cl2 + HCl CH2Cl2 + Cl2 -> CHCl3 + HCl CHCl3 + Cl2 -> CH4 + HCl

Answer 2

When a mixture of methane and chlorine is exposed to ultraviolet light – typically sunlight-a

substitution reaction occurs and the organic product is chloromethane.

CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl

However, the reaction doesn’t stop there, and all the hydrogens in the methane can in turn be

replaced by chlorine atoms.

CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl

CH3Cl + Cl2 → CH2Cl2 + HCl

CH2Cl2 + Cl2 → CHCl3 + HCl

CHCl3 + Cl2 → CCl4 + HCl

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014]