How many nonbonding electrons are in the chloroethylene molecule (C₂H₃Cl)? A) zero B) 6 C) 8 D) 10 E) 18

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chloroethylene, C2H3Cl, has a double bond between the two carbon atoms and a single bond between one carbon and the chlorine atom. Each hydrogen atom is singly bonded to carbon. Chlorine has 7 valence electrons, 3 of which are used in bonding (one for the C-Cl bond and two for the lone pairs), leaving 4 nonbonding electrons on chlorine. Each hydrogen has no nonbonding electrons as it uses its single electron for bonding. The carbon atoms use all their valence electrons in bonds (three for the single bonds and two for the double bond between them), leaving no nonbonding electrons. Therefore, the total number of nonbonding electrons in chloroethylene is 4 (all on the chlorine atom), indicating an error in the question's choices as none directly match this explanation. Given the options, the closest correct answer based on typical valence electron counts would be 6, assuming a misinterpretation of the question's intent to include all electrons not involved in sigma bonding, which would incorrectly include the pi electrons of the double bond. However, traditionally, "nonbonding electrons" refer specifically to lone pairs, not pi electrons in double bonds.

How Many Nonbonding Electrons Are in the Chloroethylene Molecule (C2H3Cl)

How Many Nonbonding Electrons Are in the Chloroethylene Molecule (C₂H₃Cl)