Comparison of C-Cl bond length in CH3Cl and CF3Cl

Question

How can one compare the $\ce{C-Cl}$ bond lengths in chloromethane ($\ce{CH3Cl}$) and chlorotrifluoromethane ($\ce{CF3Cl}$)?

Bent's rule is also consistent with Gillespie's VSEPR model, and may provide alternative rationalisation for effect of electronegativity. So it is restated as: 'more electronegative atom not only prefers to stay in the orbital having more $\mathrm{p}$ character but also can increase the $\mathrm{p}$ character in its attached orbital from the central atom depending on the circumstance.'

With increase in $\mathrm{p}$ character in an orbital, bond length will increase while with increase in $\mathrm{s}$ character in an orbital, bond length will decrease. For example, $d_\ce{(C-Cl)}$ in $\ce{CH3Cl}$ ($\pu{1.78 \unicode{xC5}}$) $\gt d_\ce{(C-Cl)}$ in $\ce{CF3Cl}$ ($\pu{1.75 \unicode{xC5}}$).

Source: Concise Inorganic Chemistry for JEE (by J.D. Lee and Sudarshan Guha)

I understand this alternative statement to Bent's rule. Can anybody explain how have the $\ce{C-Cl}$ bond lengths been compared here? I don't get this. I understand that fluorine is more electronegative than hydrogen and might induce small positive charge on the carbon atom. Also, the $\ce{C-F}$ bond will have more $\mathrm{p}$ character than the $\ce{C-H}$ bond. How do I proceed further to reach the conclusion?

Answer 1

The paragraph you cite does not define Bent's rule (see What is Bent's rule?, Utility of Bent's Rule - What can Bent's rule explain that other qualitative considerations cannot?).

If you compare $\ce{H3CCl}$ and $\ce{F3CCl}$, then the $\ce{C-H}$ bond has less carbon-p character than an idealised sp³ orbital, while the $\ce{C-F}$ bond will have more carbon-p character than the idealised sp³ orbital. This in turn means that in $\ce{H3CCl}$ the $\ce{C-Cl}$ bond will have more carbon-p character as an idealised sp³ orbital and is therefore longer, while in $\ce{F3CCl}$ the $\ce{C-Cl}$ bond will have less carbon-p character and will therefore be shorter.

Note of caution: I have read many questions about the concepts introduced in J. D. Lee's Concise Inorganic Chemistry; many of which revolve around outdated theories. I do not have a copy of that book, but from what I have experienced so far, I do not think it is a good book. Alas, in this instance it appears to be correct though.