The discussion centers on the dissociation of methane into free radicals and ions, specifically carbocations and hydrogen protons. It is established that the amount of energy absorbed by methane directly influences the type of dissociation that occurs. Higher energy levels facilitate the formation of ions, while lower energy levels lead to the generation of free radicals. The consensus is that in the gas phase, dissociation into ions necessitates greater energy due to the need to overcome electrostatic attractions.
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Yes.Aafia said:I hear that methane is known dissociate into free radicals and sometimes into ions (carbocation and hydrogen proton). Is it different amounts energy responsible for the same molecule (methane) to undergoing different kinds of dissociation?
Could you explain how?Bystander said:Yes.
You've already answered your own question.Aafia said:dissociate into free radicals and sometimes into ions
Does this mean that if energy absorbed is more the molecule will dissociate into ions and if it is less molecule will dissociate into free radicals?Bystander said:You've already answered your own question.