* One chlorine atom: CH₃Cl (methyl chloride) - Here, carbon forms four single bonds, one with each hydrogen atom and one with the chlorine atom.
* Two chlorine atoms: CH₂Cl₂ (dichloromethane) - Carbon forms two single bonds with hydrogen atoms and two single bonds with chlorine atoms.
* Three chlorine atoms: CHCl₃ (chloroform) - Carbon forms one single bond with a hydrogen atom and three single bonds with chlorine atoms.
* Four chlorine atoms: CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride) - Carbon forms four single bonds with chlorine atoms.
In general:
* Carbon always forms four bonds.
* Chlorine always forms one bond.
These formulas are based on the concept of valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. Carbon has four valence electrons, while chlorine has seven. By sharing electrons, both atoms can achieve a stable octet (eight electrons) in their outermost shells.
