MHT CET Medical202625 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryHydrocarbonsActual
Chlorination of alkane is a photochemical process. It is initiated by the process of
Options
- Aheterolysis
- Bhomolysis
- Cpyrolysis
- Dhydrolysis
Correct answer
B. homolysis
Step-by-step solution
Chlorination of alkanes is a free radical substitution reaction. The initiation step involves the breaking of the Cl-Cl bond in the presence of ultraviolet light ( h ) or heat. The bond breaks symmetrically such that each chlorine atom retains one electron, forming two chlorine free radicals. Cl₂ h 2Cl^ This symmetrical breaking of a covalent bond is known as homolysis or homolytic cleavage. Answer: homolysis