Increasing order of stability of the +2 oxidation state of the ions ? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: A greater observed dipole moment than theoretical indicates that structural components or polar bonds are forced closer together than their ideal geometry assumes. Step 2: In o-chlorophenol, strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding occurs between the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group (-OH) and the chlorine atom (-Cl). This electrostatic attraction pulls the two groups closer, reducing the bond angle between C-O and C-Cl to less than 60°. Step 3: The reduction in this angle causes the individual polar bond dipoles to align more closely, resulting in a net observed dipole moment that exceeds the theoretical value. This corresponds to option (d).