Question

Which one of the following has the highest dipole moment?

Options

• CH₂Cl₂

• CHCl₃

• CCl₄

Answer 1

CH₂Cl₂

Explanation:

1. In CH₂Cl₂, the resultant of two C-Cl dipole moments is strengthened by two C-H dipoles, resulting in the highest dipole moment (1.62 D). 

   

2. In CHCl₃, the resultant of two C-Cl dipoles is opposite the resultant of C-H and C-Cl bonds. Because the latter is expected to be smaller than the former, CHCl₃ has a dipole moment (1.03 D). 
   
3. CCl₄ has a perfectly symmetrical structure with a net dipole moment of 4C-Cl = 0.