In which molecule does the chlorine atom has positive partial charge? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: A chlorine atom (electronegativity = 3.0) will exhibit a partial positive charge (delta+) when it is bonded to an atom with a higher electronegativity. Step 2: Compare the electronegativities of the bonded atoms: H (2.1), Br (2.8), S (2.5), Cl (3.0), and O (3.5). Step 3: Since oxygen (3.5) is more electronegative than chlorine (3.0), oxygen pulls electron density towards itself in OCl2, leaving a partial positive charge on the chlorine atoms. Thus, option (c) is correct.