2 CH4 (g) + Cl2 (g) → C2H6 (g) + 2 HCl (g)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 C-IV - 2 e- → 2 C-III (oxidation)
2 Cl0 + 2 e- → 2 Cl-I (reduction)
CH4 is a reducing agent, Cl2 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- C2H6 – Ethane , Dicarbane (never recommended)
- HCl – Chlorane , Hydrogen chloride
- Other names: Hydrochloric acid , M , Uriatic acid
- Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid, fumes in air if concentrated ; Colorless gas ; Colourless compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]