The hydrogen atom in chloroform is -

Options

A. Acidic
B. Basic
C. Neutral
D. None of these

Answer

To determine the nature of the hydrogen atom in chloroform (CHCl₃), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Write the Structure of Chloroform
Chloroform is represented by the chemical formula CHCl₃. This indicates that one carbon (C) atom is bonded to one hydrogen (H) atom and three chlorine (Cl) atoms.

**Hint:** Remember that the structure of a molecule can help us understand the behavior of its atoms.

### Step 2: Analyze Electronegativity
In chloroform, we need to consider the electronegativity of the atoms involved:
- Chlorine (Cl) is more electronegative than carbon (C).
- Carbon (C) is more electronegative than hydrogen (H).

**Hint:** Electronegativity affects how electrons are shared in a bond, leading to partial charges.

### Step 3: Determine Electron Distribution
Since chlorine is more electronegative than carbon, it will attract the shared pair of electrons in the C-Cl bond towards itself. This results in a partial positive charge on the carbon atom.

**Hint:** Look for which atom is pulling the electrons more strongly to identify where the positive charge will develop.

### Step 4: Analyze the C-H Bond
Now, considering the C-H bond:
- Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it will attract the shared electrons in the C-H bond towards itself.
- As a result, hydrogen will lose some of its electron density and can be represented as H⁺.

**Hint:** The behavior of hydrogen in relation to carbon's electronegativity is crucial in determining its nature.

### Step 5: Conclude the Nature of Hydrogen
Since the hydrogen atom in chloroform can be represented as H⁺, it indicates that this hydrogen atom behaves as an acidic hydrogen. Therefore, the hydrogen atom in chloroform is acidic.

**Hint:** If a hydrogen atom can be released as H⁺, it is typically considered acidic.

### Final Answer
The hydrogen atom in chloroform (CHCl₃) is acidic.