Excess C2H6 react with Cl2 product form.
Excess C2H6 react with Cl2 product form. Explain in details.
When excess ethane (C2H6) reacts with chlorine (Cl2), the products formed are primarily chloroethane (C2H5Cl) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). The reaction is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat as it proceeds.
Chemical Equation
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
C2H6 + Cl2 → 2C2H5Cl + HCl
Reaction Mechanism
The reaction proceeds through a series of steps:
- The chlorine molecule (Cl2) breaks apart into two chlorine atoms, each with an unpaired electron.
- One of the chlorine atoms attacks an ethane molecule (C2H6), replacing one of the hydrogen atoms with a chlorine atom to form a chloroethane molecule (C2H5Cl) and a hydrogen atom (H).
- The other chlorine atom reacts with the hydrogen atom to form hydrogen chloride (HCl).
- The newly formed C2H5Cl molecules can also react with any remaining Cl2 molecules to form more C2H5Cl and HCl.
Reaction Conditions
The reaction occurs most efficiently at high temperatures and in the presence of a catalyst, such as a metal halide. The use of a catalyst lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, allowing it to proceed more quickly.
Uses of Chloroethane
Chloroethane is an important industrial chemical, used primarily as a solvent and in the production of other chemicals. It is also used as a refrigerant and as a propellant in aerosol sprays. However, due to its toxic and carcinogenic properties, its use is heavily regulated and controlled.