Understanding the Relationship Between Ions and Dipoles: Debunking the Myth

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Ions can indeed have dipoles, contrary to the belief that they cannot because they are not compounds. For example, the acetate ion demonstrates a dipole due to the charge distribution created by its structure, where an extra electron on the carboxylate group leads to an electric gradient. While monoatomic ions may not have permanent dipoles due to their spherical symmetry, they can exhibit transient or induced dipoles. The discussion also highlights misunderstandings in chemistry education, as seen in the incorrect assertion that NF3 has no dipole. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing polyatomic ions and their dipole characteristics.
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Can ions have dipoles?

ive had a really long argument with a teacher who says ions can't have dipoles because ions are not compounds...

can anyone clarify this for me please
 
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Ions can certainly have dipoles, since ions are not restricted to being monoatomic like the chloride anion or the lithium cation.

Consider the acetate ion (see attached figure). The acetate ion consists of a methyl group directly connected to a carboxylate group.

An oxygen atom in the carboxylate group contains an extra electron, which causes the carboxylate group to be negatively charged. Because the extra electron is localized on the carboxylate group, an electric gradient across the molecules is set up; which causes the dipole moment.

Perhaps your teacher, for the sake of the class, wanted to emphasize that the ions you will be dealing with ions which are strictly monoatomic; and because of spherical symmetry, wouldn't have a dipole moment. :smile:
 

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awsome
i think she's just stupid...at one point she said NF3 had no dipole. and i specifically asked her why NO3- wouldn't have one and she gave me that BS reson (ions arent compounds...)
thanks alot
 
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Even monoatomic ions can have transient dipoles.
 
really?

never heard of those...in AP Chemistry in HS
 
Never? I took AP Chemistry last year; transient dipoles are simply temporary imbalances of charge, which can exist among molecules or separate atoms.

Recall this from the "(London) dispersion forces" section in the chapter on intermolecular forces. (though, I don't know what textbook you are using)

...at one point she said NF3 had no dipole. and i specifically asked her why NO3- wouldn't have one and she gave me that BS reson (ions arent compounds...)
thanks alot

Remind her of that common term, "polyatomic ions" :wink:
 
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ha

im using Zumdahl, which my tacher warships like a god.

thanks again
 
Stalker23 said:
really?

never heard of those...in AP Chemistry in HS


maybe you haven't learned about it yet...?

i took that course last year and learned aboot them
 
well if its what i think your talking about, we call them tomporary dipoles or induced dipoles

:-p
 

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