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Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Chapter 9, Problem 43c

Dichloroethylene (C2H2Cl2) has three forms (isomers), each of which is a different substance. (c) How many isomeric forms can chloroethylene, C2H3Cl, have? Would they be expected to have dipole moments?

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1
Identify the molecular formula of chloroethylene, which is C2H3Cl. This indicates that the molecule consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and one chlorine atom.
Consider the possible arrangements of the atoms in the molecule. Since there are two carbon atoms, the molecule can have a double bond between the carbon atoms, which is a characteristic of alkenes.
Determine the possible positions for the chlorine atom. In chloroethylene, the chlorine atom can be attached to either of the carbon atoms, leading to different structural isomers.
Analyze the potential isomers: (1) The chlorine atom can be on the same carbon as the double bond, leading to a vinyl chloride structure. (2) The chlorine atom can be on the other carbon, leading to a different isomeric form.
Evaluate the dipole moments: Consider the electronegativity of chlorine compared to hydrogen and carbon. The presence of chlorine, a more electronegative atom, can create a dipole moment in the molecule, depending on the symmetry of the isomer. Assess each isomer for symmetry to determine if a net dipole moment is present.

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