Which equation represents a propagation step in the reaction of methane with bromine?

A.     \({\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}} \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}} \bullet  + {\text{H}} \bullet \)

B.     \({\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}} + {\text{Br}} \bullet  \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}} \bullet  + {\text{HBr}}\)

C.     \({\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}} + {\text{Br}} \bullet  \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}}{\text{Br}} + {\text{H}} \bullet \)

D.     \({\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}} \bullet  + {\text{Br}} \bullet  \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}}{\text{Br}}\)

B

Answer C was the most popular distractor, given by nearly a quarter of the candidates. It is a common misconception that a bromine radical can displace a hydrogen radical.