In order to understand how to get chloroethane from ethane, we will first analyze the features of the ethane saturated hydrocarbon .
Brief description of ethane
This hydrocarbon has the formula C2H6. The carbon in its molecule is in the sp3 hybrid state. This affects the physical and chemical properties of the substance. Under ordinary conditions, ethane is a gaseous substance which is sparingly soluble in water. Like all other representatives of the alkane class, ethane has rich simple bonds. This is reflected in the chemical properties of the hydrocarbon. He is not able to enter into reactions of accession, for him only radical substitution is permissible.
Leakage feature
Let’s figure out how to get chloroethane from ethane. For this, it is necessary to conduct a reaction between ethane and chlorine in the presence of a quantum of light (elevated temperature). Due to the homolytic cleavage of the bond, chlorine radicals are formed. The formation of free radicals requires a certain expenditure of energy.
It can be purchased in many ways. As one of the options for the formation of radicals, thermal pyrolysis can be considered. In order to obtain chloroethane from ethane, the equation is written at a temperature of about 500 0 C. The energy that will be released in this case is enough to break the bonds. The second way to form active radicals is to use ultraviolet radiation.
Radical substitution reaction mechanism
Consider how to get chloroethane from ethane. The reaction equation proceeds according to the mechanism of SR-action of halogens with alkanes. In the gas phase, during the reaction of ethane with chlorine, chlorine dissociation first occurs under the influence of UV. This stage is called initiation, it is it that is characterized by the appearance of active chlorine radical particles. The resulting particles attack the ethane molecule, forming hydrogen chloride, as well as the ethyl C2H5 radical.
We continue the discussion on how to get chloroethane from ethane. In the next step, the ethyl radical interacts with the chlorine molecule to form ethanochloride and another chlorine radical. It is he who is able to re-enter the reaction, continuing the cycle of the chain reaction. This stage is called chain growth. The number of active radicals at this stage of interaction does not change, but remains in full. The third stage of the reaction, which is called an open circuit, acts as the end of the cycle. It involves collisions of free particles, resulting in the formation of reaction products.
Application
The answer to the question of how to get chloroethane from ethane. Let us dwell on the application. The resulting chloroethyl is a serious narcotic substance. It is used as anesthesia in surgical operations. Two to three seconds is enough to minimize motor activity.
As the main disadvantage of this substance, we note the possibility of an overdose. Even a slight increase in the permissible norm causes serious problems for the human body. Nowadays, chloroethane is only in some cases used as a narcotic substance.
To a greater extent, it is in demand as a local remedy for short-term surface anesthesia of the skin. Getting on the skin, the substance evaporates, the skin undercooling, its sensitivity decreases, as a result of which it becomes possible to make incisions, that is, to carry out minor surface operations.
Also, this substance is used to reduce skin itching, treat thermal burns, neuromyositis, and cryotherapy for inflammation. The ampoule is first heated in the palm of your hand, then a jet is directed to the skin. For therapeutic purposes, the procedure is carried out once a day for 7-10 days.