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 light chlorine undergoes homolytic cleavage to give Cl• radicals which abstract H from ethane and then recombine to give chloroethane (C₂H₅Cl) and HCl (free‑radical substitution; further chlorination can give di‑ and polychloro products).