The mechanism involves three steps:
(1) Initiation: A chlorine molecule absorbs energy from sunlight to form free radicals.
(2) Propagation: A chlorine free radical reacts with methane forming a HCl and methyl free radical.
CH4 + Cl• → CH3• + HCl
(b) The methyl free radical attack chlorine molecule forming a methyl chloride and chlorine free radical
CH3• + Cl2 → CH3Cl + Cl
Termination: The two free radical combines to form product.
Cl• + Cl• → Cl (Chlorine)
CH3• + CH3•→ C2H6 (Ethane)
CH3• + Cl• → CH3Cl (Methyl Chloride)
