Question

Rank the compounds according to increasing positive character of the carbon atom.

a) CH₄
b) CH₃OH
c) CH₂Cl₂
d) C₆H₆

Answer 1

To determine the increasing positive character of the carbon atom, one must evaluate the electronegativity of surrounding atoms and groups.

Step-by-step explanation:

To rank the compounds according to increasing positive character of the carbon atom, we need to consider the electronegativity of the atoms attached to the carbon and how they affect its partial charges. More electronegative groups will pull electron density away from carbon, giving it a more positive character.

1. CH4 (methane): Carbon is attached to four hydrogen atoms, which are less electronegative than carbon, so the carbon's positive character is least in this compound.
2. C6H6 (benzene): The carbon atoms here are part of a conjugated system with delocalized electrons, which spreads out the negative charge and reduces the positive character somewhat compared to CH4.
3. CH3OH (methanol): In this compound, carbon is attached to a more electronegative oxygen atom as well as hydrogen atoms, increasing its positive character in comparison to CH4 and C6H6.
4. CH2Cl2 (dichloromethane): Here, carbon is bonded to two chlorine atoms, which are very electronegative, giving carbon a significantly more positive character than in the other compounds listed.