In the reaction Cl2 CH4= CH3Cl HClin presence of sunlight , presence o...
Effect of Oxygen on the Reaction Cl2 + CH4 = CH3Cl + HCl
When Cl2 and CH4 react in the presence of sunlight, they form CH3Cl and HCl. The reaction is exothermic and proceeds as follows:
Cl2 + CH4 → CH3Cl + HCl
The presence of a small amount of oxygen can have a significant effect on the rate of the reaction.
Initial Effect of Oxygen
When oxygen is introduced into the reaction mixture, it reacts with HCl to form Cl2 and water as follows:
O2 + 4HCl → 2Cl2 + 2H2O
The formation of Cl2 from HCl reduces the concentration of HCl, which is one of the reactants in the main reaction. As a result, the rate of the main reaction decreases initially.
Effect of Oxygen during the Reaction
However, as the reaction progresses, more HCl is produced, which reacts with oxygen to form more Cl2. This reaction increases the concentration of Cl2, which is a reactant in the main reaction. As a result, the rate of the main reaction increases.
Final Effect of Oxygen
Eventually, all the oxygen is consumed, and the rate of the reaction returns to its original value. However, if the amount of oxygen is large, it can completely stop the reaction by consuming all the HCl produced.
Conclusion
Therefore, the correct option is (d) completely stops the reaction. Initially, the rate of the reaction decreases due to the consumption of HCl by oxygen. However, as the reaction progresses, the rate increases due to the production of Cl2 from HCl. Eventually, all the oxygen is consumed, and the rate of the reaction returns to its original value. However, if the amount of oxygen is large, it can completely stop the reaction by consuming all the HCl produced.
In the reaction Cl2 CH4= CH3Cl HClin presence of sunlight , presence o...
Answer should be B because oxygen is a free radical inhibitor