Why does bromine not have neutral polar charge?

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SUMMARY

Bromine (Br2) is a non-polar molecule with a zero dipole moment, contrary to some misconceptions about its charge properties. The discussion clarifies that while Br2 can be induced to have a charge due to its anisotropic polarizability, it fundamentally remains non-polar. The mechanism of bromine addition to alkenes and alkynes involves a charge distribution that favors one bromine atom during the rate-limiting step, although the reasons for this behavior are often inadequately explained in organic chemistry education.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular polarity and dipole moments
  • Familiarity with bromine chemistry and its molecular structure
  • Basic knowledge of organic chemistry mechanisms, particularly electrophilic addition
  • Concept of anisotropic polarizability in molecules
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of molecular polarity and how it applies to diatomic molecules like Br2
  • Study the mechanisms of electrophilic addition reactions in organic chemistry
  • Explore the effects of anisotropic polarizability on molecular interactions
  • Examine the teaching methodologies in organic chemistry to identify gaps in explaining charge distribution
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Chemistry students, organic chemists, educators in chemistry, and anyone interested in molecular behavior and polarity concepts.

JohnnyTheFox
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Hey, simple question, can't find an answer anywhere in my books. Why does bromine not have neutral polar charge? When its a symetrical molecule? Ta
 
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If you are asking why Br2 is a polar molecule, the only answer to that is : "uhhhh ?"

Br2 is very much a non-polar molecule (or there's something extremely unusual here) - it has zero dipole moment.

Who told you otherwise ? Please provide an exact source or quote if you can.
 
You can induce a charge on Br2 since it is anisotropically polarizable. Also if I remember correctly the mechanism for addition of bromine to alkenes/alkynes as it was taught in my organic chem course, the rate limiting step occurs when the charge distribution is slightly favored toward one bromine atom(though it was never explained WHY this occurs - one of my many beefs with how organic chem is taught). Perhaps Johnny meant somethng along those lines.
 

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