Lewis structure Illustrate the Lewis structure for C2Cl4. Determine the polarity of the compound.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Lewis Structure of C₂Cl₄ (Tetrachloroethene)
Tetrachloroethene (C₂Cl₄), also known as perchloroethylene, consists of two carbon (C) atoms and four chlorine (Cl) atoms. The Lewis structure follows these steps:
- Count the total valence electrons
- Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, and there are 2 C atoms: 4×2=84 \times 2 = 8.
- Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons, and there are 4 Cl atoms: 7×4=287 \times 4 = 28.
- Total valence electrons = 8+28=368 + 28 = 36.
- Determine the skeletal structure
- Carbon atoms are typically central due to their ability to form multiple bonds.
- The two carbon atoms form a double bond (C=C) to satisfy the octet rule.
- Each carbon forms two single bonds with two chlorine atoms.
- Distribute the electrons
- The C=C double bond uses 4 electrons (2 per bond).
- Each C-Cl single bond uses 2 electrons per bond. With 4 Cl atoms, that accounts for 8 electrons.
- The remaining electrons go on Cl atoms as lone pairs.
- Check the octet rule
- Each chlorine has 8 valence electrons (1 bonding pair + 3 lone pairs).
- Each carbon has 8 valence electrons (1 double bond + 2 single bonds).
Polarity of C₂Cl₄
- Symmetry Analysis: The molecular structure is tetrahedral around each carbon, and the C=C bond is linear.
- Dipole Moments: Although C-Cl bonds are polar, the symmetry cancels out dipole moments.
- Overall Polarity: Nonpolar, because the symmetrical shape causes the dipoles to cancel.
Final Answer
C₂Cl₄ is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical shape, even though it contains polar C-Cl bonds.
Now, I will generate the Lewis structure image.
Here is the Lewis structure for C₂Cl₄ (tetrachloroethene). You can see the two carbon atoms connected by a double bond, each bonded to two chlorine atoms. The lone pairs on chlorine are also displayed. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!
