Photochlorination of Methane

UV light    

 CH4+Cl2--->CH3Cl+HCl

Methane and Chlorine will react in the presence of ultraviolet light. The reaction mechanism is a free radical substitution. This produces chloromethane and many by-products that have to be removed. Reaction is carried out with excess methane to reduce production of by-products.

STEP 1: Initiation (radical is made)

• Chlorine breaks as Cl-Cl is weaker than the C-H bonds
• Chlorine radicals…