MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

In a free radical substitution reaction, the mechanism involves three types of steps: 1. Initiation step: A neutral molecule breaks down to form free radicals. Cl-Cl Cl ^ + Cl ^ 2. Propagation step: A free radical reacts with a neutral molecule to generate a new free radical and a new neutral molecule. This step keeps the chain reaction going. CH _3^ + Cl _2 CH _3 -Cl + Cl ^ 3. Termination step: Two free radicals combine to form a neutral molecule, stopping the chain reaction. CH _3^ + Cl ^ CH _3 -Cl CH _3^ + CH _3^ CH _3 -CH _3 Therefore, the reaction CH _3^ + Cl _2 CH _3 -Cl + Cl ^ represents the propagation step.