In Lewis structure, we use dots to represent electrons and lines to show bonds formed between two atoms. This structure helps understand the arrangement of valence electrons around the individual atoms along with the bonds they form. Now that we know the total number of valence electrons in CH 3 Cl, we can now draw a Lewis structure for the same. Total no of valence electrons of CH 3 Cl= 4 + 3 +7Ĭhloromethane ( CH 3 Cl) has 14 valence electrons. Valence electrons of Chlorine: 7 valence electrons Valence electrons of Hydrogen: 1 * 3 = 3 electrons ( as there are three hydrogen atoms, we will consider valence electrons of all the Hydrogen atoms ) Total no of valence electrons of CH 3 Cl = Valence electrons of Carbon + Valence electrons of Hydrogen + Valence electrons of Chlorine So let us have a look at the total number of valence electrons for CH 3 Cl. These valence electrons are the ones that participate in the bond formation. There are some exceptions to this octet rule, e.g., Hydrogen. The atoms that have complete octets or rather suffice the octet rule become inert and non-reactive. This happens because it tries to achieve the same valence electron configuration as inert gases. If you have been studying chemistry for some time, then you might be aware of the “octet rule.” This rule states that atoms bond with each other atoms such that they have eight electrons in the last valence shell. CH3Cl Molecular Geometry CH3Cl Valence electrons.This net dipole moment in the molecule makes Chloromethane a polar molecule. Here is CH3Cl, as Chlorine has more electronegativity than all the other atoms, it has a partial negative charge, and the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges. It is also used as an extractant for oils, greases, and resins.Įlectronegativity plays a vital role in deciding whether the given molecule is polar or nonpolar.Many industries also use this gas as a catalyst carrier of the polymerization process at low temperatures.This compound is also used as a herbicide and as a local anesthetic as well.Methyl chloride is also used as a methylating and chlorinating agent in chemical industries.Chloromethane was used as a refrigerant but was discontinued later when it found that the gas has harmful effects.Name of the molecule Chloromethane Molecular Formula CH 3 Cl Molecular weight 50.49 g/mol Boiling point -23.8℃ Melting point -97.4 ℃ Uses of Chloromethane It is a colorless gas, and it also has a faintly sweet odor, which is observed only at a certain level where it is quite toxic. Methyl chloride or Chloromethane is an odorless and flammable gas. However, as there are partial negative charges on the Chlorine atom and have a net dipole moment, CH3Cl is a polar molecule. Due to which the C-H bond is considered nonpolar. When it comes to the bond between Carbon and Hydrogen atoms, the difference in the electronegativities of both these atoms is relatively small. Thus C-Cl bond is considered to be polar. This dipole moment results in the unequal distribution of charges on Carbon and Chlorine. As Chlorine has more electronegativity, it tries to pull the electrons on its side. So there will be a dipole moment between Chlorine and Carbon atom. In that case, you will find out that the chlorine atom is more electronegative than the carbon atom as it is closer to Flouirne on the periodic table. Suppose you compare the electronegativities of both the atoms carbon and Chlorine. In total, there are 14 valence electrons of all the three atoms that participate in forming bonds giving a tetrahedral shape to the molecule. Carbon shares its four electrons, which completes the octet of all the atoms in the molecule. When you look at the Lewis dot structure of this molecule, there are no lone pairs of electrons in its structure. As Carbon is less electronegative than Chlorine, it takes a central position, and rest all atoms are arranged around it. Chloromethane, having a chemical formula CH3Cl, has one atom of Carbon in its central position, three hydrogen atoms, and one atom of Chlorine.

Ch3cl polarity