Ethylidene chloride is a/an

Options

A. Gem-dihalide
B. Allylic halide
C. Vinylic halide
D. Vic-dihalide

Answer

To determine the classification of ethylidene chloride, we need to analyze its structure and compare it with the definitions of the different types of halides provided in the options.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of Ethylidene Chloride**:
- Ethylidene chloride has the chemical formula C2H4Cl2. It consists of a two-carbon chain (ethyl) with two chlorine atoms attached.

2. **Identify the Type of Dihalide**:
- We need to classify ethylidene chloride based on the position of the chlorine atoms relative to the carbon atoms in the molecule.

3. **Definitions of Halides**:
- **Geminal Dihalide**: Both halogens are attached to the same carbon atom.
- **Vicinal Dihalide**: The halogens are attached to adjacent carbon atoms.
- **Allylic Halide**: The halogen is attached to a carbon that is adjacent to a carbon-carbon double bond.
- **Vinylic Halide**: The halogen is attached directly to a carbon that is part of a carbon-carbon double bond.

4. **Analyzing Ethylidene Chloride**:
- In ethylidene chloride, the two chlorine atoms are attached to the same carbon atom (the first carbon in the ethyl group). This matches the definition of a geminal dihalide.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, ethylidene chloride is classified as a **geminal dihalide**.

### Final Answer:
Ethylidene chloride is a **geminal dihalide**.

---