Where Do HCl and NaOH Rank in Polarity Among Organic Compounds?

In summary, the organic compounds listed are ranked in increasing polarity, with hexane being the least polar and water being the most polar. The inorganic compounds HCl and NaOH are more polar than all of the organic substances listed. This is due to the presence of ionic bonds, which are the limiting case of polar-covalent bonds.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
469
0
Rank these compounds from least to most polar.


These are the following organic compounds that I ranked in increasing polarity:

hexane (nonpolar)
methylene chloride
ethyl alcohol
methyl alcohol
water (polar)

Now there are two inorganic compounds that I don't know how to place in all of these organic substances. They are HCl and NaOH. This acid and the base are polar, but how do they compare in polarity to all the organic substances I ranked?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
The ionic bond is nothing but the limiting case of the polar-covalent bond.
 
  • #3
Does that mean that HCl and NaOH would be ranked between hexane and methylene chloride? (What do you mean by that?)

Thanks again for your time.
 
  • #4
http://michele.usc.edu/105a/bonding/covalent2.html

he actually means that the HCl and NaOH are the limit in the most polar direction of polarity. The electrons are so unevenly distributed that the electrons that are normally shared are basically 'owned' by one of the molecules. so both of those compounds would be more polar than water
 

1. What is polarity?

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge within a molecule. A polar molecule has a slight positive charge on one side and a slight negative charge on the other, while a nonpolar molecule has an even distribution of charge.

2. How is polarity measured?

Polarity is measured using a scale called the electronegativity scale. This scale assigns a numerical value to each element, which represents its ability to attract electrons. The difference in electronegativity between two atoms in a molecule determines the overall polarity of the molecule.

3. What are some common methods for ranking compounds by polarity?

Some common methods for ranking compounds by polarity include calculating the dipole moment of the molecule, using the Pauling electronegativity scale, and determining the polarity of individual bonds within the molecule.

4. How does polarity affect the physical and chemical properties of a compound?

Polarity plays a significant role in determining the physical and chemical properties of a compound. Polar compounds tend to have higher melting and boiling points, as well as be more soluble in polar solvents. In terms of chemical properties, polar compounds are more likely to participate in hydrogen bonding and have greater reactivity.

5. Can polarity be altered or controlled in a compound?

Yes, polarity can be altered or controlled in a compound through various methods, such as changing the chemical structure or introducing functional groups that affect the distribution of charge. Additionally, the polarity of a compound can be influenced by external factors, such as temperature and pressure.

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