In the chlorination of methane with Cl2 and light, which equation represents the chain initiation step?

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In the chlorination of methane with $Cl X_{2}$ and light, which equation represents the chain initiation step?

A $Cl X_{2} h ν 2 Cl \cdot$
B $CH X_{4} + Cl \cdot CH X_{3} \cdot + HCl$
C $CH X_{3} \cdot + Cl \cdot CH X_{3} Cl$
D $CH X_{3} \cdot + Cl X_{2} CH X_{3} Cl + Cl \cdot$

Answer: A

Initiation produces the first radicals by homolysis of the weakest bond, the Cl-Cl bond, under light. The other equations are propagation or termination steps. So the answer is the homolysis of

Cl X_{2}

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In the chlorination of methane with ClX2​ and light, which equation represents the chain initiation step?

Answer: A

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In the chlorination of methane with $Cl X_{2}$ and light, which equation represents the chain initiation step?