Reaction Mechanism of Cl2 and CHCl3

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The reaction mechanism involving chlorine gas (Cl2) and chloroform (CHCl3) reveals that chlorine radicals (Cl) are produced rapidly through the dissociation of Cl2, while they react slowly with CHCl3 to form trichloromethyl (CCl3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). In contrast, CCl3 is generated at a slower rate but is consumed quickly in subsequent reactions. The discussion clarifies that while both Cl and CCl3 can be considered intermediates, the problem's logic dictates that only Cl is the correct answer in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radical chemistry
  • Knowledge of reaction kinetics
  • Familiarity with chlorination reactions
  • Basic grasp of organic chemistry mechanisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the kinetics of radical reactions in organic chemistry
  • Research the mechanism of chlorination reactions in detail
  • Explore the role of intermediates in reaction mechanisms
  • Learn about the stability and reactivity of trichloromethyl radicals (CCl3)
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and researchers interested in reaction mechanisms and radical chemistry.

i_love_science
Messages
80
Reaction score
2
Homework Statement
Which response identifies the intermediate(s) in the following mechanism?
Cl2 -> 2 Cl (fast)
Cl + CHCl3 -> CCl3 + HCl (slow)
CCl3 + Cl -> CCl4 (fast)

A) Cl
B) CCl3
C) CHCl3
D) Both Cl and CHCl3
Relevant Equations
reaction mechanism
I think the answer is both A) Cl and B) CCl3, since both are produced and used up. The correct solution is only A). Could anyone explain why? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Cl is produced quickly by
$$Cl_2\rightarrow 2Cl$$
and consumed slowly by
$$Cl+CHCl_3\rightarrow CCl_3+HCl$$
On the other hand, ##CCl3## is produced slowly and consumed quickly.

IMO both A) and B) are intermediates, but this problem uses a different logic.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K