Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories - Exercises - Page 391: 9.42a

Answer

This molecule will be non-polar.

Work Step by Step

The central Carbon atom will single bond with each of the Chlorine atoms. As a result, Carbon will have no lone pairs, and there will be a tetrahedral molecular geometry. While the C-Cl bonds will be polar, the tetrahedral molecular geometry in which there are no lone pairs on the central atom will result in all of the dipoles canceling each other out. Therefore, there will be polar bonds, but the molecule itself is non-polar.
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