What are the sizes of BCl3, CCl4, NCl3, and Cl2O in comparison to one another. For example BCl3<CCl4<NCl3.... I know that isn't right but I need to know this to find difference in bond lengths and some of these molecules are close together in size so I'm not sure. Thank you so much.
To determine the sizes of molecules, you can compare their molecular geometries and the number of total atoms present.
BCl3: Boron trichloride (BCl3) has a trigonal planar molecular geometry. It consists of one boron atom bonded to three chlorine atoms. Since it has a central atom surrounded by three bonded atoms, it is smaller in size compared to the other molecules mentioned.
CCl4: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has a tetrahedral molecular geometry. It consists of one carbon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms. Due to the tetrahedral arrangement, it is larger in size compared to BCl3.
NCl3: Nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) has a pyramidal molecular geometry. It consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three chlorine atoms. The pyramidal structure makes it larger in size than BCl3 but smaller than CCl4.
Cl2O: Dichlorine monoxide (Cl2O) has a bent molecular geometry. It consists of two chlorine atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. The bent structure makes it larger in size compared to BCl3 but smaller than CCl4 and NCl3.
Therefore, in terms of size (from smallest to largest), you can arrange these molecules as follows:
BCl3 < NCl3 < Cl2O < CCl4