Question
When excess of chlorine is used in the chlorination of methane find the major product obtained.
MHT CET
Chemistry
Hydrocarbons
2026
MHT CET 2026 (17 April Shift 1)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. Chloromethane
- B. Dichloromethane
- C. Trichloromethane
- D. Tetrachloromethane
Answer
D. Tetrachloromethane
Step-by-step solution
Chlorination of methane is a free radical substitution reaction. When an excess of chlorine is used, all the hydrogen atoms of methane are successively replaced by chlorine atoms. The sequence of reactions is: CH_4 + Cl_2 CH_3Cl + HCl CH_3Cl + Cl_2 CH_2Cl_2 + HCl CH_2Cl_2 + Cl_2 CHCl_3 + HCl CHCl_3 + Cl_2 CCl_4 + HCl Thus, the final major product obtained is tetrachloromethane (CCl_4). Answer: Tetrachloromethane
Related: Chemistry — Hydrocarbons · All PYQ Banks