Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot structure for chloroethylene (C2H3Cl)?

• A. H2C=CHCl, with a double bond between the two carbon atoms, three hydrogens bonded to carbons, and one chlorine bonded to one carbon.
• B. H3C-CHCl, with a single bond between the two carbon atoms, three hydrogens bonded to one carbon, and one chlorine bonded to the other carbon.
• C. ClCH2CH2, with a single bond between the two carbon atoms, two hydrogens bonded to each carbon, and one chlorine bonded to one carbon.
• D. H2C=CHCl, with a double bond between the two carbon atoms, two hydrogens bonded to one carbon, and one chlorine bonded to the other carbon.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula of chloroethylene, which is C2H3Cl, indicating two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and one chlorine atom.
2. Determine the bonding framework by considering the valence electrons and typical bonding patterns: carbon usually forms four bonds, hydrogen forms one bond, and chlorine typically forms one bond with three lone pairs.
3. Recognize that chloroethylene is an alkene derivative, so expect a double bond between the two carbon atoms to satisfy the valence requirements and the presence of unsaturation.
4. Assign the hydrogens and chlorine to the carbons such that the total number of bonds per carbon is four, with one carbon bonded to two hydrogens and the other carbon bonded to one hydrogen and one chlorine atom.
5. Draw the Lewis structure showing a double bond between the two carbons, two hydrogens attached to one carbon, one hydrogen and one chlorine attached to the other carbon, and include lone pairs on chlorine to complete its octet.