A molecule of chloromethanol has the condensed structural formula CH₃ClO (the hydrogen on oxygen is shown explicitly). The relevant Pauling electronegativity values are: C 2.5, H 2.1, Cl 3.0, O 3.5.
(a) Calculate ΔEN for each of the following single bonds in chloromethanol: C–H, C–Cl, and O–H.
(b) Rank the three bonds from least polar to most polar. Justify your ranking quantitatively and qualitatively.
(c) Using your bond polarity ranking and the approximate geometry around carbon and oxygen, predict the overall direction of the molecular dipole moment. Clearly indicate the partial positive and partial negative ends of the molecule.
(d) Based on your prediction in part (c), discuss whether chloromethanol would be expected to mix completely with liquid water at room temperature. Support your answer with reasoning that relates molecular polarity to intermolecular interactions.