Question

Select the correct answer.

How does substituting a hydrogen atom with a halogen in a hydrocarbon affect the resulting compound?

A.
All the single bonds in the original molecule change to double bonds.
B.
The boiling point of the new compound increases.
C.
The bonds between the carbon atoms in the molecule become weaker.
D.
The resulting compound is called a saturated hydrocarbon.
E.
The substitution allows each carbon atom to accept more than four valence electrons.

Answer 1

C. The bonds between the carbon atoms in the molecule become weaker.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

E. The substitution allows each carbon atom to accept more than four valence electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Halogens (except for fluorine) have seven valence electrons, which gives them the flexibility to participate in more than four covalent bonds. Hydrogen only has one valence electron, so it tends to form only four covalent bonds. In a substitution reaction, each halogen provides the carbon atom with additional electrons, allowing it to accept more than the usual four.