Polarity of Nitrate: Exploring Factors and Debunking Misconceptions

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In summary, nitrate is a polar molecule due to its solubility in water. While it has a trigonal planar shape, the presence of double bonds does not destroy its symmetry. The negative charge is distributed among all the oxygen atoms, making the molecule as a whole polar. The solubility is due to hydrogen bonding and entropy effects, making it thermodynamically favorable and with a kinetic pathway available for dissolution.
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Shehryar1
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Is nitrate a polar or non-polar molecule? I understand that it has a trigonal planer shape (and therefore it has symmetry) but should we also consider the double bond (do multiple bonds destroy symmetry)? I assume it would be polar because it is SOLUBLE in WATER, however, after viewing many links online, many people say it is non-polar
 
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  • #2
Resonance distributes the negative charge, so it's not constrained to any oxygen in particular. This makes the entire outside negative, so there's no polarity.
 
  • #3
Solubility

Oh okay, but why is it soluble in water?
 
  • #4
It's not polar, but it's still charged. Why are singular ions soluble in water? Na+ on its own isn't polar, but it's very soluble.
 
  • #5
hydrogen bonding and entropy effects contribute to the Gibbs free energy of the process of dissolution. Its thermodynamically favorable for it to dissolve, and there is also a kinetic pathway available. What more could one want ? :)
 

1. What is the polarity of nitrate?

The polarity of nitrate is polar.

2. What makes nitrate polar?

Nitrate is polar due to its molecular structure, which contains a positively charged nitrogen atom and negatively charged oxygen atoms.

3. Why is the polarity of nitrate important?

The polarity of nitrate is important because it allows it to dissolve in water and other polar solvents, making it readily available for biological processes.

4. How does the polarity of nitrate affect its chemical properties?

The polarity of nitrate affects its chemical properties by making it a strong oxidizing agent, as the polar bonds make it more reactive and able to gain or lose electrons easily.

5. Can the polarity of nitrate be altered?

No, the polarity of nitrate cannot be altered as it is determined by the arrangement of atoms in its molecular structure.

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