Question

What is the maximum number of formula isomers possible when methane is
chlorinated by the free-radical mechanism?

		1
		2
		3
		4

Answer 1

Substitution reaction occur when hydrogen atoms in the methane are replaced one at a time by chlorine atoms via free radical mechanism.

At the end of the reaction a mixture of chloromethane, dichloromethane ,trichloromethane and tetrachloromethane.

CH₄ + Cl₂ ---> CH₃Cl + HCl

CH₃Cl + Cl₂ ---> CH₂Cl₂ + HCl

CH₂Cl2 + Cl₂ ---> CHCl₃+ HCl

CHCl₃ + Cl₂ ---> CCl₄+ HCl

So the maximum number of formula isomers possible when methane is chlorinated by the free-radical mechanism are 4