Question

Identify the equation that shows the reaction of ethane with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light.

Options

• \[\ce{C2H6 + Cl2 -> C2H6Cl2}\]

• \[\ce{C2H6 + Cl2 -> C2H4Cl2 + H2}\]

• \[\ce{C2H6 + Cl2 -> C2H5Cl +HCl}\]

• \[\ce{C2H6 + Cl2 -> 2CH3Cl}\]

Answer 1

\[\ce{C2H6 + Cl2 -> C2H5Cl +HCl}\]

Explanation:

Under ultraviolet (UV) light, chlorine molecules break to form chlorine radicals (Cl•). These radicals replace one hydrogen atom in ethane with a chlorine atom, forming chloroethane (C₂H₅Cl) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). Therefore, the reaction is a free-radical substitution reaction.