General Instructions

In this activity, you will be given a series of questions. These questions will involve calculating reaction energy, explaining radical stability, and discussing mechanisms of propagation. The link to a chemistry drawing tool is provided; you should explore the features and familiarize yourself with the functions before starting the activity. Note that you are not required to share the structures or mechanisms you drew when sharing your responses.

Step 1 - Review

Review the material from this module, paying particular attention to propagation, resonance, radicals, and halogenation.

Step 2 - Respond

Answer the following questions:

1. Refer to the bond energies in the table below and calculate the reaction energy for the propagation step of the mono-chlorination of methane. Explain your method.
   
   
   

2. The resonance effect is responsible for the stability of the benzylic radical. Explain resonance as it applies to the benzylic radical. Be sure to include the movement of the electron.
   You can use the chemistry tool to draw out the resonance mechanism to help you explain.
   
   

3. The experiment results of the bromination reaction of (±)-3-methylhexane indicate that the racemic mixture of R and S 3-bromo-3-methylhexane were obtained with the bromination. Explain the stereochemistry of the propagation steps in the mechanism for this reaction. You can use the Chemistry tool to draw out the resonance mechanism to help you explain.

Step 3: Share 

To share your work, click the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B.: references are excluded from word counts). Note that you do not need to share your drawings done in the Chemistry tool, but you can discuss them if needed.

Step 4: Interact 

To complete the activity, evaluate and categorize the work from one of your peers based on items A - E of the rubric below. Provide a rationale for your grade and comments or suggestions for improvement. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback, then click “Post to forum.” You can use the list below as an example:

Item A is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item B is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item C is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item D is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item E is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”