Question

Arrange the following molecules from most to least polar, and explain your order: CH₄, CF₂Cl₂, CF₂H₂, CCl₄, and CCl₂H₂.

Short answer

Answer

The arrangement of molecules from least polar to most polar is given as follows

CF₂H₂ > CCl₂H₂ > CF₂Cl₂ > CH₄ = CCl₄

Step-by-step solution

 Describing the dipole moment

This is defined as thepolarity of atoms/ions within a molecule in acovalent/ionic bond. The dipole moment depends upon theelectronegativity of the atom.

The difference in electronegativity produces the dipole moment. The more the difference in electronegativity more will be dipole moment. This also depends oncharge separation.

Describing the order of the polarity within the molecules

These molecules' dipole moment isdefinedby the lewis structure which showselectronegativity and polarity inside the molecule.

In CF₂H₂ molecule has the highest dipole moment and CH₄ and CCl₄equally have the least.

CF₂H₂ > CCl₂H₂ > CF₂Cl₂ > CH₄ = CCl₄

CF₂H₂is more electronegative than CCl₂H₂ because F is more electronegative than Cl.