What is the number of monochloro substituted derivatives formed from diphenyl methane?

Answer

To determine the number of monochloro substituted derivatives that can be formed from diphenylmethane, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Diphenylmethane
Diphenylmethane has the following structure:
- It consists of a central carbon atom (the methylene group, -CH2-) bonded to two phenyl groups (C6H5).
- The structure can be represented as:
```
C6H5
|
CH2
|
C6H5
```

### Step 2: Identify Possible Substitution Sites
In diphenylmethane, the central carbon is bonded to two phenyl groups. The positions where chlorine can be substituted are:
1. The carbon atom of the methylene group (CH2).
2. The ortho positions of the two phenyl groups.
3. The meta positions of the two phenyl groups.
4. The para positions of the two phenyl groups.

### Step 3: Analyze Symmetry
Since diphenylmethane is symmetrical, substituting chlorine at the same position on either phenyl group will yield the same derivative. Thus, we need to consider unique substitution positions:
- Substituting chlorine at the methylene carbon (1 position).
- Substituting chlorine at the ortho position of one phenyl group (2 unique positions).
- Substituting chlorine at the meta position of one phenyl group (2 unique positions).
- Substituting chlorine at the para position of one phenyl group (1 unique position).

### Step 4: Count Unique Monochloro Derivatives
Now, we can summarize the unique positions:
1. Substitution at the methylene carbon (1 derivative).
2. Substitution at the ortho positions (2 derivatives).
3. Substitution at the meta positions (2 derivatives).
4. Substitution at the para positions (1 derivative).

Adding these up:
- 1 (methylene) + 2 (ortho) + 2 (meta) + 1 (para) = 6 unique monochloro derivatives.

### Conclusion
The total number of monochloro substituted derivatives formed from diphenylmethane is **6**.

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