Learning objective

Write equations for methane chlorination steps.

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At a glance

5

Flashcards

7

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Topic

Alkanes

Subtopic

Chlorination of alkanes

AQA A Level ChemistryOrganic chemistry

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Short explanation

In the subtopic Chlorination of alkanes, this AQA A-Level Chemistry 7405 learning objective focuses on write equations for methane chlorination steps. It belongs to Alkanes, so revision should stay anchored to this exact subtopic rather than drifting into a generic GCSE-level chemistry summary. Approved keywords to use include chlorination. Chlorination. means the process of substituting hydrogen atoms in methane (CH₄) with chlorine atoms (Cl) to form chlorinated hydrocarbons Avoid the mistake of students often write the chlorination reaction of methane as CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl without balancing it; instead, to balance the equation, use the rule of conservation of mass. The balanced equation is CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl. This shows that one molecule of methane reacts with one molecule of chlorine to produce one molecule of chloromethane and one molecule of hydrogen chloride For exam answers, when writing equations for methane chlorination, remember to include all reactants and products clearly

Key concepts

chlorinationfree-radical substitution

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Chlorination of alkanes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Alkanes.

Common mistakes

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  • Incorrect Equation for Chlorination of Methane: To balance the equation, use the rule of conservation of mass. The balanced equation is CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl. This shows that one molecule of methane reacts with one molecule of chlorine to produce one molecule of chloromethane and one molecule of hydrogen chloride.

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