Question

Among the following chloro-compound having the lowest dipole moment is:
(1) \[C{H_2}C{l_2}\]
(2) \[C{H_3}Cl\]
(3)

(4)

Answer 1

Hint: The dipole moment is formed when there is electronegativity difference between the atoms. The dipole moment measures the compound's polarity. When the moment of dipole is towards the pair of electrons, then the dipole moment is larger.

Complete step by step answer:

In \[C{H_2}C{l_2}\], one carbon atom is attached to two hydrogen atoms and two chlorine atoms. The chlorine is more electronegative than hydrogen, therefore the movement of electrons is toward the electronegative atom. The two dipoles cancel out each other and the resulting dipole is zero.

In \[C{H_3}Cl\], one carbon atom is attached to three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom. The chlorine is more electronegative than hydrogen, therefore the movement of electrons is toward the electronegative atom. The resulting dipole will be high.

In this compound, carbon is attached to one chlorine atom and one methyl group and a second carbon atom is attached to one chlorine atom and one hydrogen atom. Chlorine is more electronegative therefore the movement of dipole is towards chloride and in second carbon, carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen, therefore the movement of dipole is toward carbon. The two dipoles are different therefore it is not equal to zero.

In this compound, carbon is attached to one chlorine atom and one methyl group and a second carbon atom is attached to one chlorine atom and one hydrogen atom. Chlorine is more electronegative therefore the movement of dipole is towards chloride and in second carbon, the movement of dipole is toward chlorine. The dipole moment is greater.
Thus, the least dipole moment will be of \[C{H_2}C{l_2}\].

So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: In both option A and D the two chlorine atoms are attached oppositely to each other, but in option D, both the chlorine is attached to different chlorine atoms and in option A the two chlorine atms are attached to the same carbon.