Lewis Structure of CH2Cl2

[Anna Turk 1D]

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?

[Alexandra Lu 2J]

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.

[Jonathan Sautter 1J]

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!

[Rebekah Jung 1C]

I believe it does not matter when drawing lewis structures but it is important to note that CH2Cl2 is tetrahedral.

[BB Dis 1H]

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?