What distinguishes polar and nonpolar compounds?

In summary, polar compounds have an electronegativity difference of less than 1.7, dissolve in water, and have a polar covalent bond due to unequal electronegativity. Non-polar compounds have an electronegativity difference of 0, do not dissolve in polar liquids, and have a non-polar covalent bond. The distribution of charges in non-polar compounds is symmetrical, while polar compounds have partial positive and negative bond dipoles. Additionally, canceling out of dipoles makes a molecule non-polar.
  • #1
jontyjashan
68
0
what is the difference between polar and non polar compounds
 
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  • #2
One are polar, others are not?

Question is so vague that it is hard to tell what kind of information you are looking for.
 
  • #3
that depends upon the electronegativity. if electronegativity of one element is greater than the other atom, then charge develops it is said polar compounds. if electronegativity is same, it is non polar
 
  • #4
nshtkmar1977 said:
if electronegativity of one element is greater than the other atom, then charge develops it is said polar compounds.


Carbon tetrachloride?
 
  • #5
Polor compounds list
 
  • #6
Polor compounds list what?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #7
There are many differences between polar and non-polar compounds

Polar Compounds

-dissolve in water (because water is polar and polar liquids dissolve other polar substances)
-has an electronegetivity difference of less than 1.7
-has a polar covalent bond
-polar covalent bonds form when there is unequal electronegetivity because electrons spend their time closer to one atomic nucleus than another
-includes partial positive and partial negative bond dipoles

Non-polar compounds

-has an electronegetivity difference of 0 resulting in a non-polar covalent bond
-does not dissolve in any polar liquids such as water
-charges of electrons are distrubted symmetrically among the atoms in the molecules (no electronegetivity difference)


I hope this helps
 
  • #8
Don't forget, if the dipoles
cancel out, the molecule is nonpolar.
 

1. What is the difference between polar and nonpolar compounds?

Polar compounds have a slight positive and negative charge due to the uneven distribution of electrons, while nonpolar compounds have an even distribution of electrons and no charge.

2. How do I determine if a compound is polar or nonpolar?

A compound's polarity can be determined by looking at its molecular structure and the electronegativity of its atoms. If the atoms have a large difference in electronegativity, the compound is likely polar.

3. What properties do polar compounds have?

Polar compounds have high melting and boiling points, are soluble in polar solvents, and have the ability to form hydrogen bonds.

4. Can a compound be partially polar?

Yes, a compound can have both polar and nonpolar sections, making it partially polar. This is often seen in larger molecules with multiple functional groups.

5. How are polar and nonpolar compounds used in everyday life?

Polar compounds are commonly used in household products such as detergents and cleaning agents, while nonpolar compounds are used as solvents in paints, fuels, and oils.

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