State and explain the effect of adding a little tetraethyllead to an equimolar mixture of methane and chlorine exposed to weak sunlight. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (h) - 2018
Question (h)
State and explain the effect of adding a little tetraethyllead to an equimolar mixture of methane and chlorine exposed to weak sunlight.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:State and explain the effect of adding a little tetraethyllead to an equimolar mixture of methane and chlorine exposed to weak sunlight. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (h) - 2018
Step 1
State the effect of adding tetraethyllead
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Answer
The reaction rate increases when a little tetraethyllead is added to the equimolar mixture of methane and chlorine. This causes the reaction to speed up, resulting in products being formed more quickly.
Step 2
Explain the effect of adding tetraethyllead
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Answer
Tetraethyllead acts as a catalyst or radical promoter in this reaction. It initiates the reaction by providing or breaking up into ethyl free radicals (C2H5*), which further facilitates the reaction between methane and chlorine, increasing the overall rate of product formation.
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