Step 1: React ethylene with hydrogen bromide (HBr) in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as aluminum bromide (AlBr3) or iron(III) bromide (FeBr3). This reaction is known as hydrobromination.
Reactants: Ethylene (C2H4), Hydrogen Bromide (HBr), Catalyst (AlBr3 or FeBr3)
Equation: C2H4 + HBr → C2H5Br
Step 2: In this step, the hydrogen bromide molecule adds across the double bond of ethylene, resulting in the formation of bromoethane.
Step 3: Purify the bromoethane. After the reaction is complete, you can purify the bromoethane by distillation. Distillation involves heating the mixture and collecting the bromoethane that vaporizes at its boiling point.
By following these steps, you can convert ethylene to bromoethane. It's important to note that this reaction should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, and proper safety precautions should be taken when handling hazardous chemicals like hydrogen bromide.
