How many covalent bonds are present in a Chloropropane molecule having

How many covalent bonds are present in a Chloropropane molecule having molecular formula, C₃H₇Cl ?

6
8
9
10
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
The correct answer is (D) 10. The molecular formula is C₃H₇Cl. This represents a chloropropane molecule, which is derived from propane (C₃H₈) by replacing one hydrogen atom with a chlorine atom. Let’s consider the structure of propan-1-ol (CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-Cl) or propan-2-ol (CH₃-CHCl-CH₃). Counting the single covalent bonds:
In CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-Cl:
C1-H (3 bonds)
C1-C2 (1 bond)
C2-H (2 bonds)
C2-C3 (1 bond)
C3-H (2 bonds)
C3-Cl (1 bond)
Total = 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 10 covalent bonds.
In CH₃-CHCl-CH₃:
C1-H (3 bonds)
C1-C2 (1 bond)
C2-H (1 bond)
C2-Cl (1 bond)
C2-C3 (1 bond)
C3-H (3 bonds)
Total = 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 10 covalent bonds.
A covalent bond is formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. To find the total number of covalent bonds in a simple organic molecule, you need to count all the single, double, and triple bonds between atoms.
In organic molecules, carbon typically forms 4 bonds, hydrogen forms 1 bond, and chlorine forms 1 bond. By drawing the skeletal structure and adding hydrogens to satisfy valency, one can systematically count the bonds.
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