Question

The carbon-halogen bond of an alkyl halide is polarised due to the _________

(a) higher electronegativity of halogen atom than carbon

(b) higher electronegativity of carbon than halogen atom

(c) partial positive charge on halogen atom and a partial negative charge on carbon

(d) tendency of halogen atom to donate electrons

The question was asked at a job interview.

The query is from Nature of C-X Bond in section Haloalkanes and Haloarenes of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) higher electronegativity of halogen atom than carbon

The best explanation: Polarity occurs between two entities when there is a difference in the magnitude and signs of charges between the two entities. In this case, the halogen is more negatively charged than the carbon, and hence it is polarised.