Question

Among the following compounds, which one has the shortest C – Cl bond?

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Explanation for correct option:

D

• Compounds with multiple bonds have short bond lengths.
• As methene chloride also shows resonating structures, it has the shortest bond length.
• The resonating structures of methene chloride are shown as follows:

Explanation for incorrect options:

A

• Tri-methyl chloride has all single bonds hence the bond lengths of the compound are longer than compounds having multiple bonds.

B

• Methyl chloride also has single bonds hence the bond length of the compound is longer than compounds having multiple bonds.

C

• 1-ethene methyl chloride has both single and double bonds but does not form resonating structures hence the bond lengths of the compound are longer than compounds showing resonance.

Hence option D is correct, as methene chloride has multiple bonds also showing resonating structures.