Question

iclicker question 1 (3 mins)
draw the lewis structure of ch₂cl₂ to assist you in answering the following question.
which statement about this molecule’s shape and polarity is completely correct?
a) ch₂cl₂ has a tetrahedral shape and is non - polar.
b) ch₂cl₂ has a tetrahedral shape and is polar.
c) ch₂cl₂ has a trigonal pyramid shape and is polar.
d) ch₂cl₂ has a square planar shape and is polar.
e) ch₂cl₂ has a square planar shape and is non - polar.

Explanation:

Carbon in $CH_2Cl_2$ has 4 bonding - pairs and no lone - pairs. According to VSEPR theory, it has a tetrahedral shape. Since the $C - H$ and $C - Cl$ bonds have different electronegativities, the bond dipoles do not cancel out, making the molecule polar.

Answer:

B. $CH_2Cl_2$ has a tetrahedral shape and is polar.