Which of the following is the formula for methyl chloride?

Methyl chloride is a simple organic compound that consists of one carbon atom (C) surrounded by three hydrogen atoms (H) and one chlorine atom (Cl). The correct molecular formula reflects this arrangement as CH₃Cl. Each of the three hydrogen atoms is bonded to the carbon, and there is one bond between the carbon and the chlorine atom.

To understand why this is the correct formula, consider the structure of methyl chloride: the carbon serves as the central atom with the hydrogen atoms attached to it, along with the chlorine atom. This structure is characteristic of a methyl group (–CH₃) where an atom of chlorine has replaced one hydrogen.

In contrast, the other options represent different compounds. CH₄Cl would imply four hydrogens are necessary, which would create an imbalance for a one-to-one bond with chlorine. C₂H₆Cl suggests two carbon atoms and would represent a different molecular structure, such as ethyl chloride. Lastly, CCl₃H would imply three chlorine atoms, which significantly alters the compound's identity. Thus, methyl chloride is accurately represented by the formula CH₃Cl.