Does one expect ΔS° in a propagation step of the free-radical chlorination of methane to be greater than zero, less than zero, or approximately equal to zero? Briefly explain your choice.

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Madison Scifo · Accepted Answer

Final Answer :

The propagation steps of the free-radical chlorination of methane are shown
below.
CH₄ + Cl∙ → CH₃∙ + H-Cl
CH₃∙ + Cl-Cl → CH₃Cl + Cl∙
In each of the steps, two reactant molecules generate two product molecules. This similarity in the number of molecular species means that the disorder in the reaction is neither greatly increased nor diminished. Therefore, one expects ΔS° in either propagation step to be approximately equal to zero.

Does one expect ΔS° in a propagation step of the free-radical chlorination of methane to be greater than zero, less than zero, or approximately equal to zero? Briefly explain your choice.

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