To determine which atom in the carbon–chlorine bond is assigned the delta negative charge, we need to compare the electronegativities of the two atoms involved in the bond.
- The electronegativity of carbon (C) is 2.55.
- The electronegativity of chlorine (Cl) is 3.16.
Chlorine has a higher electronegativity than carbon, meaning that it attracts the bonding electrons more strongly. In a polar covalent bond, the more electronegative atom will acquire a partial negative charge (δ-) due to its ability to attract the shared electrons.
Therefore, in the carbon–chlorine bond, the chlorine atom is assigned the delta negative charge.
The correct answer is: B. chlorine atom