Nonpolar C18 Hydrocarbon: Yes or No?

  • Thread starter nate808
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Hydrocarbon
In summary, a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon is a molecule with 18 carbon atoms that lacks polar or charged regions, making it hydrophobic. Its properties include low solubility in water, high solubility in nonpolar solvents, and resistance to degradation. It is commonly used in chromatography and is considered safe for human use, though excessive exposure may have negative health effects. While it cannot be converted into a polar molecule, it can be modified to increase its solubility in polar solvents.
  • #1
nate808
542
0
would a c18 hydrocarbon be polar or nonpolar--y or y not?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hydrocarbons are composed only of carbons and hydrogens,
and C-H bonds are considered nonpolar. No hydrocarbon contains a polar structure.

Of course, there does exist an EXTREMELY small and probably insignificant difference in the electronegativities of hydrogen and carbon, and thus you have quite the tiny polarity. Too tiny to be practical.

nate808, all hydrocarbons are considered nonpolar.
 
Last edited:
  • #3


A C18 hydrocarbon would be nonpolar because it consists of only carbon and hydrogen atoms, which have similar electronegativities and do not create any significant charge differences within the molecule. This results in a symmetrical distribution of electrons and an overall neutral charge, making the molecule nonpolar.
 

1. What is a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon?

A nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon is a type of molecule that contains 18 carbon atoms and has no polar or charged regions. This means that it does not interact with water or other polar molecules, and is therefore considered hydrophobic.

2. What are the properties of a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon?

The properties of a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon include low solubility in water, high solubility in nonpolar solvents, low reactivity with other molecules, and resistance to degradation by acids and bases.

3. How is a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon used in scientific research?

A nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon is commonly used in chromatography, a technique for separating and analyzing mixtures of substances. It is also used as a stationary phase in liquid chromatography, as it can interact with nonpolar compounds and separate them from polar compounds.

4. Is a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon safe for human use?

Nonpolar C18 hydrocarbons are generally considered safe for human use. They are commonly found in cosmetics, food packaging, and other consumer products. However, some studies have shown that excessive exposure to these compounds may have negative health effects, so caution should be taken when using products containing nonpolar C18 hydrocarbons.

5. Can a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon be converted into a polar molecule?

No, a nonpolar C18 hydrocarbon cannot be converted into a polar molecule. This is because it does not contain any functional groups that can ionize or form polar bonds. However, it can be modified by attaching polar groups to its structure, making it more soluble in water and other polar solvents.

Similar threads

  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
15K
  • Chemistry
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top