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Chapter 6: Problem 77

Which should have the largest molecular dipole moment: \(\mathrm{H}_{2}, \mathrm{CO}_{2}, \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{~F}\), or \(\mathrm{CH}_{7} \mathrm{I}\) ?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Among the given molecules H2, CO2, CH3F, and CH3I, CH3F should have the largest molecular dipole moment due to the largest difference in electronegativity between C and F atoms and the noncanceling dipoles in its tetrahedral geometry.

Step by step solution

01

1. Analyze and Draw the Geometry of H2

Hydrogen molecule (H2) is a diatomic molecule consisting of two H atoms bonded together. In this homonuclear diatomic molecule, both atoms have the same electronegativity, so there is no dipole moment.
02

2. Analyze and Draw the Geometry of CO2

Carbon dioxide molecule (CO2) is a linear molecule with a central carbon atom bonded with two oxygen atoms. The difference in electronegativity between C and O atoms produces two polar bonds and dipoles, but in a linear and symmetrical configuration, the bond dipoles cancel each other, leading to an overall dipole moment equal to zero.
03

3. Analyze and Draw the Geometry of CH3F

Methyl fluoride (CH3F) is a tetrahedral molecule with a central carbon atom bonded to three H atoms and one F atom. In this case, the difference in electronegativity between C and F produces a polar bond, and due to the tetrahedral geometry of the molecule, the dipoles do not cancel each other out. Consequently, CH3F has a molecular dipole moment.
04

4. Analyze and Draw the Geometry of CH3I

Methyl iodide (CH3I) is also a tetrahedral molecule with a central carbon atom bonded to three H atoms and one I atom. Here, the difference in electronegativity between C and I generates a polar bond. Since the molecular geometry is also tetrahedral, the bond dipoles do not cancel out, and CH3I has a molecular dipole moment.
05

5. Compare Molecular Dipole Moments

To determine which molecule has the largest molecular dipole moment, we should compare the dipole moments of the two tetrahedral molecules: CH3F and CH3I. The difference in electronegativity between C and F is larger than the difference between C and I, which implies that the molecular dipole moment in CH3F is larger than that in CH3I.
06

6. Conclusion

Among the given molecules H2, CO2, CH3F, and CH3I, CH3F should have the largest molecular dipole moment.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Using lines, solid wedges, and dashed wedges, draw the three-dimensional shape of chloromethylacetylene, \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{Cl}\). Indicate the numeric value of all bond angles.

Sulfur dioxide, \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\), a pollutant that comes from burning coal contaminated with sulfur.

White phosphorus, \(\mathrm{P}_{4}\), consists of four phosphorus atoms, with each atom bonded to the other three. Draw the three-dimensional shape of this molecule, showing all valence electrons and bond angles. (Hint: Begin by drawing one atom bonded to the three others using VSEPR theory, and then make the remaining connections.)

Hydrogen peroxonitrite has the formula HNO_{s} with the atoms connected \(\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}\). (a) Draw the dot diagram for this molecule. (b) Draw the three-dimensional shape of the molecule, showing the numeric value of all bond angles. (c) Describe the electron-group geometry and molecular shape around the \(\mathrm{N}\) and around each \(\mathrm{O}\) to the right of the \(\mathrm{N}\).

List the steps you take to decide (a) whether or not. a covalent bond is polar and (b) whether or not a molecule is polar.
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