Net Dipole

[juliefilice 4A]

How does ClF3 have a dipole moment? Does it have to do with the lone pairs on the Cl molecule?

[Henry Krasner 1C]

F is more electronegative than Cl, therefore, there will be a net dipole towards the F.

[Nicolette_Canlian_2L]

When determining dipole moments, consider the electronegativity of the atoms in the molecule and check for any lone pairs on the central atom.

[Raymond Ko 1H]

Yes, you are right about the lone pairs creating a dipole moment in the molecule. If there were no lone pairs (this would not be possible due to the number of electrons in the molecule), the dipoles would cancel each other out, and there would be no net dipole moment. However, the electron lone pairs on the Cl atom distort the structure, creating a net dipole moment towards the F.