On the molecular structure of X-CF3 molecules (X = Cl,Br, I)

The average molecular structures of X-CF₃, molecules (X = Cl, Br, I) have been determined by combined use of electron diffraction and microwave data. Including results for X = H and X = F a strict correlation between C-F bond length and the electronegativity of the X atom is observed. This correlation can be nicely understood in terms of the electron distribution calculated in the CNDO/2 approximation. It is also observed that the change in the C-X bond length with substitution of the CF₃-group by a CH₃-group is strictly correlated with the electronegativity of the X atom.