Products of Ethylene + Fluorine Reaction

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SUMMARY

The reaction between ethylene (C2H4) and fluorine gas (F2) yields two potential products based on the balanced equations derived from the provided thermodynamic data. The first possibility results in the formation of 2 hydrogen fluoride (HF) molecules and 2 carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) molecules, while the second possibility produces 1 carbon (C), 2 HF, and 1 CF4. Both reactions are balanced, but the likelihood of each product formation depends on the reaction conditions and the stability of the products formed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical reaction balancing
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic principles, specifically enthalpy changes
  • Knowledge of organic chemistry, particularly alkenes like ethylene
  • Basic grasp of halogenation reactions
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  • Research the stability and reactivity of carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) in halogenation reactions
  • Study the enthalpy changes associated with the combustion of hydrocarbons
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Chemistry students, organic chemists, and researchers interested in reaction mechanisms and thermodynamics of hydrocarbon halogenation.

tandoorichicken
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just a basic rookie question. What are the products when ethylene reacts with fluorine gas (i.e., burned in presence of fluorine)?

I was given the following data:
[itex]H_2 + F_2 \rightarrow 2HF \Delta H^{o} = -537 kJ[/itex]
[itex]C + 2F_2 \rightarrow CF_4 \Delta H^{o} = -680 kJ[/itex]
[itex]2C + 2H_2 \rightarrow C_2 H_4 \Delta H^{o} = +52.3 kJ[/itex]

I used the starting formula [itex]C_2 H_4 + 4F_2[/itex]

I balanced out equations and got two possibilities, and I'm not sure which one to go with. In one, it forms 2 hydrogen molecules and 2 carbon tetrafluoride, and in the other it forms 1 C, 2 HF and 1 carbon tetrafluoride. BOTH of these balance out and I don't know which one to go with.
 
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Think of the reaction in terms of a dissociation (eqn #3 backwards) followed by a reaction with fluorine. Which of the two reactions with fluorine has a higher probability ?
 

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