Nature of C-X Bond - CBSE Class 12
Module 2: Nature of C-X Bond
(From CBSE Class 12 Chemistry, Chapter: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes)
The carbon-halogen (C-X) bond in haloalkanes and haloarenes exhibits unique characteristics due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and halogen atoms. These features significantly influence the physical and chemical properties of these compounds. Below is a detailed note:
Polarity of the C-X Bond
- Electronegativity Difference: Halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br, I) are more electronegative than carbon. This causes the C-X bond to be polar, with the carbon atom bearing a partial positive charge (δ⁺) and the halogen atom bearing a partial negative charge (δ⁻).
- Trend of Polarity: Fluorine (F) has the highest electronegativity, making the C-F bond the most polar. As the size of the halogen increases from F to I, the electronegativity decreases, and hence, the polarity of the bond reduces.
Bond Strength and Bond Length
- Bond Strength: The strength of the C-X bond decreases as the size of the halogen atom increases because the overlap between the orbitals of carbon and halogen decreases. Order: C-F > C-Cl > C-Br > C-I.
- Bond Length: The bond length increases with the size of the halogen atom due to reduced orbital overlap. Order: C-F < C-Cl < C-Br < C-I.
Dipole Moment
- Definition: The dipole moment of a bond is a measure of the polarity of the bond. It depends on the product of the charge separation and the bond length.
- Although fluorine has the highest electronegativity, the dipole moment of C-F is lower than C-Cl because the shorter bond length in C-F reduces the dipole moment.
Physical Properties Influenced by C-X Bond
- Boiling Point: Haloalkanes exhibit higher boiling points than alkanes of similar molecular weight due to the polar nature of the C-X bond and the higher molecular mass of halogens.
- Density: Density increases with the molecular weight of the halogen atom.
- Solubility: Despite their polarity, haloalkanes are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents due to dipole-dipole and van der Waals interactions.
Applications of C-X Bond Properties
- The polar nature of the C-X bond makes haloalkanes reactive towards nucleophiles, leading to substitution reactions.
- The bond strength influences reactivity in substitution and elimination reactions.
