Match the structural formula to the chemical formula for this substance.

A. [tex]$CH_2Cl_2$[/tex]

B. [tex]$CH_3Cl$[/tex]

C. [tex]$Cl_2H_2C_2$[/tex]

D. [tex]$H_2CCl_2O$[/tex]



Answer :

To match the structural formula to the chemical formula, we need to carefully analyze the molecular composition of each chemical formula:

1. [tex]$CH_2Cl_2$[/tex]:
- This formula indicates that the molecule contains 1 carbon (C) atom, 2 hydrogen (H) atoms, and 2 chlorine (Cl) atoms.
- The only plausible structure is where the two chlorine atoms are bonded to the carbon with two hydrogen atoms also connected to the carbon.

2. [tex]$CH_3Cl$[/tex]:
- This formula indicates that the molecule contains 1 carbon (C) atom, 3 hydrogen (H) atoms, and 1 chlorine (Cl) atom.
- The structure would have one chlorine atom bonded to the carbon, with three hydrogen atoms also bonded to the carbon atom.

3. [tex]$Cl_2H_2C_2$[/tex]:
- This formula suggests that the molecule contains 2 carbon (C) atoms, 2 hydrogen (H) atoms, and 2 chlorine (Cl) atoms.
- This indicates a structure where each carbon atom is bonded in some way to two hydrogen atoms and possibly chlorines, leading to multiple structural possibilities but typically forming a linear or branched arrangement.

4. [tex]$H_2CCl_2O$[/tex]:
- This formula includes 1 carbon (C) atom, 2 hydrogen (H) atoms, 2 chlorine (Cl) atoms, and 1 oxygen (O) atom.
- The structure needs to account for the presence of an oxygen atom along with the chlorines and hydrogens. It likely features a carbon bonded to both chlorines, hydrogens, and possibly a hydroxyl group or as part of an ether or carbonyl group structure.

Given the provided structural formula in the context, let’s match them now:

- Dichloromethane ([tex]$CH_2Cl_2$[/tex]):
- Two chlorine atoms are attached to the single carbon, along with two hydrogen atoms.

- Chloromethane ([tex]$CH_3Cl$[/tex]):
- One chlorine atom is attached to the carbon, along with three hydrogen atoms.

- 1,2-Dichloroethane or similar structured molecule ([tex]$Cl_2H_2C_2$[/tex]):
- The sample suggests a setup with two chlorine atoms bonded across two carbons with varying hydrogen bonds, showing connection between both the carbon atoms linearly or branched.

- Chloroform or similar structured molecule ([tex]$H_2CCl_2O$[/tex]):
- This composition signals towards a varied structure involving interactions with oxygen, chlorines, and likely a singular linear form attaching them distinctly.

Therefore, we match each chemical formula to their respective structures accordingly.