Methyl bromide is widely used as a fumigant to prevent the spread of diseases and pests in agricultural products, and it can be prepared from methane via radical bromination. Recently, a new method for preparing methyl bromide was developed, involving genetically engineered microorganisms that are capable of producing large quantities of the compound.1. In practice, radical bromination of methane produces many by-products. For example, ethane is obtained in small quantities. Suggest a mechanism for the formation of ethane. Draw the first step of the mechanism (initiation stage). Include all nonbonded electrons (lone pairs and radicals) in your answer.
2. Draw the second step of the mechanism (propagation stage). Include all nonbonded electrons (lone pairs and radicals) in your answer.
3. Draw the third step of the mechanism (termination stage). Include all nonbonded electrons (lone pairs and radicals) in your answer.