Why is the C-Cl bond length shorter in haloarenes (169 pm) compared to haloalkanes (177 pm)?
The NCERT text explains, 'The sp$^2$ hybridised carbon with a greater s-character is more electronegative and can hold the electron pair of C—X bond more tightly than sp$^3$-hybridised carbon in haloalkane with less s-chararcter. Thus, C—Cl bond length in haloalkane is 177pm while in haloarene is 169 pm.'