Question

The substance chlorine monoxide, ClO(g), is important in atmospheric processes that lead to the depletion of the ozone layer. The ClO molecule has an experimental dipole moment of 1.24 D and the Cl−O bond length is 1.60 Å.
Part A: Determine the magnitude of the charges on the Cl and O atoms in units of the electronic charge, e.

Part B: Based on the electronegativities of the elements, which atom would you expect to have a partial negative charge in the ClO molecule?
Atom O or Atom Cl

Part C: Using formal charges as a guide, propose the dominant Lewis structure for the molecule. (Draw a diagram)

Part D: The anion ClO− exists. What is the formal charge on the Cl for the best Lewis structure for ClO−?

Answer 1

Answer:

B = Based on the electronegativities of the elements, which atom would you expect to have a partial negative charge in the ClO molecule?

Atom O or Atom Cl

Explanation: