How many gem dihalides with different formulas are possible for `C_(3)H_(6)CI_(2)`?

Options

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Explanation

To determine how many geminal (gem) dihalides can be formed from the molecular formula \( C_3H_6Cl_2 \), we need to follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Definition of Gem Dihalides
Geminal dihalides are compounds where two halogen atoms (in this case, chlorine) are attached to the same carbon atom.

### Step 2: Analyze the Given Molecular Formula
The molecular formula given is \( C_3H_6Cl_2 \). This indicates that we have three carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and two chlorine atoms.

### Step 3: Draw Possible Structures
We need to consider the possible arrangements of the carbon atoms and where the chlorine atoms can be placed:

1. **Structure 1:**
- One carbon atom has both chlorine atoms attached.
- The structure can be represented as:
\[ CH_3 - C(Cl_2) - CH_3 \]
- In this structure, one carbon (the central carbon) has both chlorine atoms attached to it.

2. **Structure 2:**
- Another carbon atom can have both chlorine atoms.
- The structure can be represented as:
\[ CH_2(Cl) - CH(Cl) - CH_3 \]
- Here, one of the terminal carbons has both chlorine atoms.

### Step 4: Count the Unique Structures
From the analysis, we can see that there are two unique geminal dihalides that can be formed from \( C_3H_6Cl_2 \):

1. **1,1-dichloropropane** (where both Cl are on the first carbon)
2. **1,2-dichloropropane** (where Cl are on adjacent carbons, but not geminal)

However, since we are specifically looking for geminal dihalides, we only have:

- **1,1-dichloropropane** as a valid geminal dihalide.

### Conclusion
Thus, the total number of gem dihalides with different formulas that can be formed from \( C_3H_6Cl_2 \) is **1**.

### Final Answer
The answer is **1** gem dihalide.

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