Which of the following compounds has the largest dipole moment? A) CH₂Cl₂ B) CH₃Cl C) CHCl₃ D) CCl₄ E) CH₄

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dipole moment of a molecule depends on the difference in electronegativity between the atoms in the molecule and the geometry of the molecule. Chlorine is more electronegative than carbon and hydrogen, so the C-Cl bond will have the largest dipole moment. In choice A, the molecule has several S-B bonds, which have a symmetrical distribution of charge and therefore do not contribute significantly to the dipole moment. Choices B, D, and E have C-H bonds, which have a smaller electronegativity difference than C-Cl and a less polar geometry, resulting in a smaller dipole moment. Therefore, choice C (CHCl) has the largest dipole moment.

Which of the Following Compounds Has the Largest Dipole Moment