Question

In phosgene

• A. C—O bond length is longer while C—Cl bond length is shorter than expected
• B. C—O bond length is shorter while C—Cl bond length is longer than expected
• C. All C—O and C—Cl bond lengths are. equal
• D. The values of C—O and C—Cl bond lengths are the same as expected.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

In phosgene, due to resonance, C—O acquires partial single bond character and thus is longer than expected while C—Cl acquires partial double bond character and thus is shorter than expected.