Question

9 consider the molecular formula cocl₂. based on your knowledge of bonding patterns, does it make sense for the chlorine atoms to be bound to the carbon or to the oxygen atom? explain your answer.

Explanation:

Carbon typically forms four - covalent bonds, oxygen forms two - covalent bonds, and chlorine forms one - covalent bond. In $COCl_2$, carbon can bond with the oxygen atom through a double - bond (satisfying oxygen's two - bond requirement) and with the two chlorine atoms through single - bonds, fulfilling carbon's four - bond requirement. Oxygen is more electronegative than chlorine and prefers to form double - bonds with carbon rather than single - bonds with chlorine. So, chlorine atoms should be bound to the carbon atom.

Answer:

The chlorine atoms should be bound to the carbon atom.