The pyrolysis of ethane, C₂H₆
C₂H₆ $\rightarrow$ C₂H₄ + H₂
Proceeds through a multistep chain mechanism involving radicals, which are highly reactive species with one or more unpaired electrons. Radicals are formed in initiation steps, transferred in propagation steps and lost in termination steps. Retardation steps maintain the concentration of radical species but regenerate the reactant. One of the steps in the reaction mechanism is
H + C₂H₆ $\rightarrow$ H₂ + C₂H₅
What is the best description of this step?

Question

The pyrolysis of ethane, C₂H₆
C₂H₆

\rightarrow

C₂H₄ + H₂
Proceeds through a multistep chain mechanism involving radicals, which are highly reactive species with one or more unpaired electrons. Radicals are formed in initiation steps, transferred in propagation steps and lost in termination steps. Retardation steps maintain the concentration of radical species but regenerate the reactant. One of the steps in the reaction mechanism is
H + C₂H₆

\rightarrow

H₂ + C₂H₅
What is the best description of this step?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This step is a propagation step because it involves the transfer of a radical (the hydrogen radical, H•) to another molecule, resulting in the formation of a new radical (the ethyl radical, C2H5•) while also producing a stable molecule (H2). Propagation steps are characterized by the consumption of one radical and the formation of another, continuing the chain reaction.

The Pyrolysis of Ethane, C2H6 C2H6 →\rightarrow→ C2H4 + H2 Proceeds Through a Multistep Chain Mechanism Involving

The Pyrolysis of Ethane, C₂H₆
C₂H₆ $\rightarrow$ C₂H₄ + H₂
Proceeds Through a Multistep Chain Mechanism Involving