Question

what happens when methane reacts with chlorine? Give equation of the reaction which takes place.

Answer 1

hyy.....While there is nothing wrong with the long essay answer, the methane being in excess will simply be chlorinated by substitution....

CH4 + Cl2 = CH3Cl + HCl

Answer 2

CH4 + Cl2 = CH3Cl + HCl
CH3Cl + Cl2 = CH2Cl2 + HCl
CH2Cl2 + Cl2 = CHCl3 + HCl
CHCl3 + Cl2 = CCl4 + HCl


Note- This reaction is catalyzed. It happens generally in the presence of sunlight.

CHCl3 is choloform