Chapter 17: Problem 92

Why is chlorine an important functional group?

Short Answer

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Chlorine is an important functional group because its high electronegativity creates polar covalent bonds and stabilizes positive charges on neighboring atoms, resulting in increased reactivity. It is often used as a leaving group in synthesis reactions, facilitating the formation of new compounds. Additionally, chlorine-containing compounds have numerous applications in solvents, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and as intermediates for synthesizing other functional groups.

Step by step solution

Understand functional groups

Functional groups are groups of atoms within a molecule that have specific chemical properties and reactivity. These groups determine the characteristic properties of organic compounds, as they undergo similar chemical reactions regardless of the rest of the molecule.

Identify characteristics of chlorine as a functional group

Chlorine (Cl) is a highly electronegative element, which means it has a strong tendency to attract electrons toward itself. When chlorine is bonded to another atom within a molecule, it can create a polar covalent bond, where the electron density is unequally distributed between the atoms. This results in a partial negative charge on the chlorine atom and a partial positive charge on the other atom, creating a polar molecule or increasing the overall polarity of the compound.

Examine reactivity due to chlorine's electronegativity

Due to its high electronegativity, chlorine can stabilize positive charges on neighboring atoms. This stabilization makes the molecule more reactive toward nucleophilic attacks or other reactions involving the transfer of electrons. Additionally, the bond between chlorine and the adjacent atom can be relatively weak, making it more susceptible to cleavage during chemical reactions.

Evaluate chlorine's role in synthesis reactions

Chlorine is often used as a leaving group in organic synthesis reactions, such as nucleophilic substitution or elimination reactions. As a leaving group, Cl- carries away a pair of electrons when it departs from the molecule, leaving an electron-deficient site behind. This allows other atoms or functional groups to readily form bonds with the electron-deficient site, resulting in the formation of new compounds.

Discuss various applications of chlorine-containing compounds

Compounds containing chlorine functional groups have a wide range of applications. For example, chlorinated solvents are used as degreasers, refrigerants, and in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. In organic chemistry, chlorinated compounds are often used as intermediates to synthesis other functional groups, such as alcohols, amines, and ethers. In conclusion, chlorine is an important functional group due to its high electronegativity, effect on compound reactivity, and involvement in a wide array of applications and synthesis reactions. Its ability to stabilize positive charges on neighboring atoms and act as a leaving group makes it a valuable component in many chemical processes.

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Why is chlorine an important functional group?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand functional groups

Identify characteristics of chlorine as a functional group

Examine reactivity due to chlorine's electronegativity

Evaluate chlorine's role in synthesis reactions

Discuss various applications of chlorine-containing compounds

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