Gaseous propane reacts with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 2
Gaseous propane reacts with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light.
**a.** Name the type of reaction that occurs.
**b.** What is the function of the light?
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:Gaseous propane reacts with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. Name the type of reaction that occurs.
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Answer
The reaction between gaseous propane and chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light is classified as a free radical substitution reaction. In this reaction, chlorine radicals are generated by the energy from ultraviolet light, which leads to the substitution of hydrogen atoms in propane with chlorine atoms.
Step 2
b. What is the function of the light?
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Answer
The ultraviolet light serves to initiate the reaction by breaking the Cl-Cl bond in molecular chlorine, generating chlorine free radicals. These free radicals are highly reactive and facilitate the substitution process by reacting with propane.
Step 3
c. Other than various chlorinated hydrocarbons, what other compound is formed in this reaction?
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In addition to various chlorinated hydrocarbons, the reaction also produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) as a byproduct.
Step 4
d. One of the possible products has the chemical formula C3H7Cl. Draw the structural formulas of all the possible isomers of C3H7Cl and give the name of one of them.
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