Lewis Structure of CH2Cl2
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Lewis Structure of CH2Cl2
When drawing the lewis structure of CH2Cl2, for example, how do you know whether to arrange the H and Cl bonds opposite of each other or one above the other?
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Re: Lewis Structure of CH2Cl2
Either Lewis structure is fine, because they represent the same thing. CH2Cl2 is tetrahedral in shape, so where/in what order you draw the chlorines and hydrogens in 2D does not change their relative positions in 3D.
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Re: Lewis Structure of CH2Cl2
It doesn't matter what order you draw the molecule in. However, you should know that if the 2Cl and 2H are on the same side then the molecule is cis- and if there is one Cl on one side and the other Cl on the other, then the molecule would be considered trans-. Nonetheless, due to the tetrahedral shape of the molecule, the charges/dipole of the atoms will never cancel each other out and so the molecule is going to always be polar. Hope this extra bit of information helps!
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Re: Lewis Structure of CH2Cl2
I believe it does not matter when drawing lewis structures but it is important to note that CH2Cl2 is tetrahedral.
Re: Lewis Structure of CH2Cl2
Is there anything that will tell us when to draw them on the same or opposite sides? I know in names it says cis or trans, but does it not matter when only given the equation?
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