How many distinct signals would be observed in the ${\mathrm{^1}}^H$ NMR spectrum of ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$ (ethyl chloride)?

• A. $1$ signal
• B. $3$ signals
• C. $2$ signals
• D. $4$ signals

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the different types of hydrogen environments in ethyl chloride (CH\_3CH\_2Cl). Look at the molecule and find hydrogens that are in unique chemical environments, meaning they are not equivalent by symmetry or rotation.
2. The methyl group (CH\_3) hydrogens are all equivalent because they are attached to the same carbon and experience the same electronic environment. This gives one type of signal.
3. The methylene group (CH\_2) hydrogens are also equivalent to each other but different from the methyl hydrogens because they are attached to a carbon bonded to chlorine, which affects their chemical environment. This gives a second type of signal.
4. Since the hydrogens on CH\_3 and CH\_2 are in different environments, they will produce separate signals in the \( ^1H \) NMR spectrum.
5. Therefore, count the total number of distinct signals by summing the unique hydrogen environments identified, which leads to the conclusion that there are two distinct signals.