Can ethanol react with chlorine gas?

Answer 1

Yes, it can.

It is just like the famous iodoform (tri-iodomethane) test, where, instead of iodine, chlorine in aqueous sodium hydroxide is used.

The mechanism and overall reaction are shown below:

1. In the first instance, chlorine oxidises ethanol to the aldehyde ethanal:

2Cl2 + CH3CH2OH gives CH3CHO + 2HCl

2. Next, the three hydrogen atoms in the methyl group is substituted by chlorine atoms:

3Cl2 + CH3CHO gives CCl3CHO + 3HCl

3. Finally, the base (sodium hydroxide, for example) reacts with the intermediate organic compound formed to give chloroform and the methanoate anion:

XOH + CCl3CHO gives CHCl3 + HCOO- + X+

The overall reaction can be represented by:

5Cl2 + CH3CH2OH + XOH gives CHCl3 + HCOO- + X+ + 5HCl

Answer 2

If you mean the reaction represented as this CH4 +Cl2 -> CH3Cl + HCl, it is a radical reaction, which means it involves radicals. Any condition that may facilitate the formation of radicals can accelerate this reaction. The most common method would be to provide light. But before any experiment is done, it is good to consult a safety manual of sorts. Because radical reaction are often times radical, explosive even. The control of the process is crucial.

Answer 3

CH3CH3 + Cl2 ---> CH3CH2Cl + Hcl

with the condition being UV light

Answer 4

UV radiation has to be present for the reaction to proceed.

Answer 5

Chlorination. It is a substitution reaction.

Answer 6

when their is UV light acting as a catalyst

Answer 7

Yes, ethanol can react with chlorine gas to form ethyl chloride, which is an alkyl halide. This reaction can occur in the presence of a catalyst such as aluminum chloride.