2007-05-06 22:24:18 · 6 answers · asked by danny s 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The electronegativities of hydrogen & carbon are nearly the same causing in the C-H bond in methane to be a non-polar bond. Consequently there is no formal +ve or -ve charge developed on euther C or H atom.
so, the electrophilic or nucleophilic reagents do not find a suitable site to attack.
That's why CH4 is inert towards electrophilic or nucleophilic reagents .
2007-05-06 22:36:11 · answer #1 · answered by s0u1 reaver 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) There is no adequate leaving group.
2) The carbon center is relatively inactive since there is no polarization...there is no developing charge which is required to make the carbon center susceptible to attack by nucleophile or electrophile. (Electronegativity difference between C and H's is very low, (delta 0.35)...very non-polar covalency}
2007-05-07 01:13:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Electophiles are drawn towards areas of negative charge and nucleophiles towards positive. Methane has no charged areas on the molecule.
2007-05-06 22:28:57 · answer #3 · answered by lykovetos 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Methane is non-polar and does not have an electronic excess or deficiency.
2007-05-06 22:34:23 · answer #4 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because when you drop one, people have to be able to smell it and know when to leave the room.
2007-05-06 22:30:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pull my finger and find out
2007-05-06 22:32:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋