Products of Ethylene + Fluorine Reaction

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In summary, when ethylene reacts with fluorine gas, it can form either 2 hydrogen molecules and 2 carbon tetrafluoride or 1 carbon molecule, 2 hydrogen fluoride molecules, and 1 carbon tetrafluoride. Both of these reactions are balanced and it is unclear which one has a higher probability. However, thinking of the reaction in terms of a dissociation and a subsequent reaction with fluorine, it seems that the first option may have a higher probability.
  • #1
tandoorichicken
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just a basic rookie question. What are the products when ethylene reacts with fluorine gas (i.e., burned in presence of fluorine)?

I was given the following data:
[itex]H_2 + F_2 \rightarrow 2HF \Delta H^{o} = -537 kJ [/itex]
[itex]C + 2F_2 \rightarrow CF_4 \Delta H^{o} = -680 kJ [/itex]
[itex]2C + 2H_2 \rightarrow C_2 H_4 \Delta H^{o} = +52.3 kJ [/itex]

I used the starting formula [itex] C_2 H_4 + 4F_2 [/itex]

I balanced out equations and got two possibilities, and I'm not sure which one to go with. In one, it forms 2 hydrogen molecules and 2 carbon tetrafluoride, and in the other it forms 1 C, 2 HF and 1 carbon tetrafluoride. BOTH of these balance out and I don't know which one to go with.
 
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Think of the reaction in terms of a dissociation (eqn #3 backwards) followed by a reaction with fluorine. Which of the two reactions with fluorine has a higher probability ?
 
  • #3


The products of the reaction between ethylene and fluorine gas can vary depending on the reaction conditions. However, based on the given data, the most likely products are hydrogen fluoride (HF) and carbon tetrafluoride (CF4). This is because the reaction between ethylene and fluorine gas is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, and the formation of HF and CF4 are both exothermic reactions.

So, the balanced equation for this reaction would be:
C2H4 + 4F2 → 2HF + CF4
This reaction is also consistent with the law of conservation of mass, as both sides have the same number of atoms of each element.

It is important to note that the reaction may also produce other products such as difluoroethylene (C2H2F2), depending on the reaction conditions and temperature. However, based on the given data, HF and CF4 are the most likely products.

In summary, the products of the reaction between ethylene and fluorine gas are hydrogen fluoride and carbon tetrafluoride, with the balanced equation being C2H4 + 4F2 → 2HF + CF4.
 

FAQ: Products of Ethylene + Fluorine Reaction

What are the products of ethylene + fluorine reaction?

The products of ethylene + fluorine reaction are primarily polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE).

What is the chemical formula for polytetrafluoroethylene?

The chemical formula for polytetrafluoroethylene is (C2F4)n, where n represents the number of repeating units in the polymer chain.

What are the uses of products formed from ethylene + fluorine reaction?

The products formed from ethylene + fluorine reaction have a wide range of uses, including non-stick coatings, insulators, and lubricants. PTFE, in particular, is commonly used in cookware, medical devices, and industrial applications.

How does the ethylene + fluorine reaction occur?

The ethylene + fluorine reaction occurs through a process called polymerization, in which the double bond in ethylene is broken and replaced with fluorine atoms. This results in the formation of the polymer chains that make up PTFE and TFE.

What are the properties of products formed from ethylene + fluorine reaction?

The products formed from ethylene + fluorine reaction have unique properties, including high thermal and chemical resistance, low friction, and non-stick properties. These properties make them useful in a variety of industries and applications.

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