Question

Draw all possible molecules of the formula \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{X}_{2}, \mathrm{CHX}_{3}\), and \(\mathrm{CX}_{4}\) when \(\mathrm{X}\) is \(\mathrm{F}\) or \(\mathrm{Cl}\).

Short answer

Possible molecules are \(\text{CH}_2\text{F}_2, \text{CH}_2\text{ClF}, \text{CH}_2\text{Cl}_2, \text{CHF}_3, \text{CHF}_2\text{Cl}, \text{CHCl}_2\text{F}, \text{CHCl}_3, \text{CF}_4, \text{CF}_3\text{Cl}, \text{CF}_2\text{Cl}_2, \text{CFCl}_3, \text{CCl}_4\).

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the problem

Identify the general molecular formulas given: \(\text{CH}_{2} \text{X}_{2}, \text{CHX}_{3}, \text{CX}_{4}\) and understand that \(\text{X}\) can be either Fluorine (F) or Chlorine (Cl).

- Draw the molecules for \(\text{CH}_{2} \text{X}_{2}\)

List all combinations of \(\text{X}\) being \(\text{F}\) and \(\text{Cl}\) for \(\text{CH}_2 \text{X}_{2}\). Possible combinations: \(\text{CH}_2\text{F}_2, \text{CH}_2\text{ClF}, \text{CH}_2\text{Cl}_2\).

- Draw the molecules for \(\text{CHX}_{3}\)

List all combinations of \(\text{X}\) being \(\text{F}\) and \(\text{Cl}\) for \(\text{CHX}_3\). Possible combinations: \(\text{CHF}_3, \text{CHF}_2\text{Cl}, \text{CHCl}_2\text{F}, \text{CHCl}_3\).

- Draw the molecules for \(\text{CX}_{4}\)

List all combinations of \(\text{X}\) being \(\text{F}\) and \(\text{Cl}\) for \(\text{CX}_4\). Possible combinations: \(\text{CF}_4, \text{CF}_3\text{Cl}, \text{CF}_2\text{Cl}_2, \text{CFCl}_3, \text{CCl}_4\).

Key concepts

molecular formulas

A molecular formula tells us the number and type of atoms in a molecule. For instance, \(\text{CH}_{2} \text{X}_{2}\) shows a molecule with one carbon (C), two hydrogen (H), and two instances of a variable element, X.

By substituting X with fluorine (F) or chlorine (Cl), we can generate different molecules. This flexibility in replacements is why understanding molecular formulas helps us predict possible structures. Knowing what each part of the molecular formula stands for is the first step in drawing and understanding molecules.

fluorine and chlorine substitutions

When looking at molecules like \(\text{CH}_{2} \text{X}_{2}\) or \(\text{CX}_{4}\), we can substitute fluorine and chlorine in different patterns. Every unique substitution leads to a different isomer. An isomer is a compound with the same molecular formula but different arrangement of atoms.

For example:

• \(\text{CH}_{2} \text{Cl}_2\) and \(\text{CH}_{2} \text{F}_2\) are both \(\text{CH}_{2} \text{X}_{2}\) molecules but with different halogens.
• \(\text{CF}_4\) is another possible molecule we get from substituting all hydrogens in methane (\text{CH}_4) with fluorine.

Changing the halogen atoms gives us isomers—distinct molecules with unique properties.

organic chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds. Carbon atoms can form four bonds, allowing for a variety of structures and complexity. This bond-forming versatility is the foundation of organic molecular diversity.

In our exercise, we explore organic molecules by varying halogen substitutions. Starting with simple molecules like methane (\text{CH}_4), we create more complex molecules such as \(\text{CHX}_{3}\) or \(\text{CX}_{4}\).

The key to mastering organic chemistry is visualization. Drawing molecular structures helps understand the spatial arrangement and potential chemical behaviors.