Chemistry: Reactions of Alakanes with Halogens

type of reaction

Free radical substitution

Methan with Chlorine: initiation

supply uv light to a chloride molecule, 2 chlorine radicals are formed

Methane with Chlorine: propagation

methan reacts with a chlorine radical forming a methyl (CH3*)radical and hydrogen chloride (HCl)
methyl radical reacts with a chloride molecule forming a chlorine radical and chloromethane

Methane with Chlorine: termination

when a chlorine radical and a chlorine react together chloride
or a methyl radical and a chlorine radical forming chloromethane
or a methyl radical with a methyl lradical forming ethane

proof of mechanism

formation of ethane
if uv (radiation) stops reaction stops
introduction of radical promoters like tetraethyl lead speeds up reaction