Consider the 1,2-dichloro derivative of ethylene in which one of the hydrogen atoms on each of the carbon atoms in ethylene is substituted with a chlorine atom,giving the structural formula CHClCHCl.Which of the following is true?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, we need to determine the molecular geometry of CHClCHCl. It can be seen that the two chlorine atoms are on the same side (cis configuration), giving it a bent or V-shape geometry.

Now, to analyze the polarity, we need to look at the electronegativities of the atoms involved. Chlorine is more electronegative than carbon and hydrogen, so it pulls the shared electrons in the covalent bond closer to its side, creating a partial negative charge. This results in a dipole moment for each C-Cl bond.

In the trans isomer, the two C-Cl bonds are on opposite sides of the molecule, canceling out their dipole moments, and making the molecule nonpolar.

On the other hand, in the cis isomer, the two C-Cl bonds are on the same side, adding up their dipole moments and making the molecule polar. Therefore, the cis isomer is more polar than the trans isomer.

Consider the 1,2-Dichloro Derivative of Ethylene in Which One of the Hydrogen