Question

Can someone explain why CH2Cl2 is a polar molecule?

Answer 1

there are 3 isomers of \(CH_2Cl_2\)

the trans configuration is non-polar because the dipoles cancel out, while the other two isomers dont have the same symmetrical properties and their dipoles dont cancel.

Answer 2

when you say 3 isomers, does it mean that you can place the outer atoms in three different positions? Also, I don't know if my way of thinking is correct. Because the carbon has the higher electronegativity so the hydrogen is being pulled in towards the carbon, whereas the cloride is pulling away from the carbon. when there's two that pulls away, the dipole cancels and when there's two that pulls in, it doesn't cancel each other out? am i making any sense? :)

Answer 3

an isomer does refer to the positions of the atoms, 3 isomers = 3 different ways to arrange the atoms.

I think you're right. Is this what you mean?


so the individual dipoles cancel out only on the one top right corner.

by the way, the difference is electronegativity between C and H is too small to make it a polarized bond, while the difference between Cl and C is large enough to be considered polar.