JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3ev100
Two students discuss CFC-12. Student A: the Cl released arises from the C-F bond. Student B: it arises from the C-Cl bond on absorption of UV in the stratosphere, and the Cl then reacts with OX3. Student C: the Cl is released by reaction with water in the troposphere. Which is correct, and what is the first reaction of the released Cl?
AStudent A; Cl+OX3ClO+OX2
BStudent B; Cl+OX3ClO+OX2
CStudent C; Cl+OX2ClOX2
DStudent B; Cl+OX3ClOX3
Answer: B
The weaker C-Cl bond breaks on absorbing UV in the stratosphere: CFX2ClX2CFX2Cl+Cl. CFCs do not react with water in the troposphere. The Cl atom then abstracts an oxygen atom from ozone to give ClO and OX2.