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Chapter 1: Problem 50

Tetrafluoroethylene, \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{4}\), is the starting material for the synthesis of the polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), one form of which is known as Teflon. Tetrafluoroethylene has a dipole moment of zero. Propose a structural formula for this

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The structural formula for tetrafluoroethylene is symmetrical, with each carbon atom double-bonded to its neighboring carbon atom and single-bonded to two fluorine atoms. Its dipole moment of zero indicates a symmetrical distribution of electron density within the molecule, with no net charge separation.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the molecule's composition

Tetrafluoroethylene has the chemical formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{4}\). It has a total of 2 carbon (\(C\)) atoms and 4 fluorine (\(F\)) atoms.
02

Recognize the dipole moment

A dipole moment of zero indicates that the molecule has no net charge separation due to the symmetrical distribution of electron density within the molecule.
03

Consider possible structural arrangements

Since we have 2 carbon atoms, they must be bonded together to form the backbone of the molecule since fluorine (F) can only form a single bond each. This means the 2 carbon atoms will make a double bond to ensure all 4 fluorines can bond.
04

Determine the structure that satisfies the conditions

To achieve an overall dipole moment of zero while having 4 fluorine atoms, two fluorine atoms must be bonded to each carbon atom, creating a symmetrical distribution. Thus, the structural formula for tetrafluoroethylene is: ``` F ║ F - C = C - F ║ F ``` So, the structural formula for tetrafluoroethylene is symmetrical, with each carbon atom double-bonded to its neighboring carbon atom and single-bonded to two fluorine atoms, resulting in a molecule with a dipole moment of zero.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Draw Lewis structures for these functional groups. Be certain to show all valence electrons on each. (a) Carbonyl group (b) Carboxyl group (c) Hydroxyl group (d) Ester group (e) Amide group

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