In the molecule CH3Cl, where is the negative pole of the dipole moment located?

• A. On the carbon atom
• B. On one of the hydrogen atoms
• C. Equally distributed among all atoms
• D. On the chlorine atom

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a dipole moment in a molecule arises due to differences in electronegativity between atoms, causing an uneven distribution of electron density.
2. Identify the atoms in CH3Cl: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and chlorine (Cl), and recall their relative electronegativities. Chlorine is more electronegative than carbon and hydrogen.
3. Recognize that the dipole moment points from the positive pole (less electronegative atom) toward the negative pole (more electronegative atom).
4. Since chlorine is the most electronegative atom in CH3Cl, it will attract electron density toward itself, becoming the negative pole of the dipole moment.
5. Therefore, the negative pole of the dipole moment is located on the chlorine atom, not on carbon or hydrogen atoms.