In: Chemistry
The radical chlorination of butane proceeds via chain reaction which consist of three steps initiation, propagation and termination.
In initiation, chlorine molecule, Cl2, dissociates to form chlorine radicals.
In propagation, chlorine radical attacks the hydrogen atom of butane where the C—H bond is weakest thereby forming a more stable radical. This radical further reacts with Cl2 to produce Chloro-butane ( 2-chloro-butane is the most favourable product).
In termination , radicals are combined to produce dead molecules thereby stopping the chain propagation.
The detail reaction mechanism for the whole process is shown below.