Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Question:

Which of the following compound is a gem-dihalide?

Options:

1,2-Dichloroethane

Ethylene dichloride

Methylene chloride

Benzyl chloride

Correct Answer:

Methylene chloride

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Methylene chloride

A gem-dihalide (geminal dihalide) is a compound in which two halogen atoms are attached to the same carbon atom.

Given compounds:

  1. 1,2-Dichloroethane (Cl–CH₂–CH₂–Cl) → halogens on different carbonsnot geminal
  2. Ethylene dichloride → another name for 1,2-dichloroethane → same as above
  3. Methylene chloride (CH₂Cl₂)both Cl atoms on same carbongem-dihalide 
  4. Benzyl chloride (C₆H₅–CH₂Cl) → only one Cl atom → not geminal