VSEPR and Bond Hybridization

AP Chemistry· difficulty 3/5

CCl4 C Cl Cl Cl Cl CHCl3 C H Cl Cl Cl

Why is CHCl3 polar while CCl4 is not?

  • A

    CHCl3 has a different hybridization

  • B

    CCl4 has hydrogen bonding

  • C

    CCl4 has a higher dipole moment

  • D

    CCl4 is symmetric so dipoles cancel; CHCl3 is asymmetric so dipoles do not cancel

    check_circle

Explanation

Both are tetrahedral. CCl4's identical bonds give zero net dipole; CHCl3's H-C bond differs from C-Cl bonds, leaving a net dipole.

Want 10 more like this — adaptive to your weak spots?

Related questions