And is acetone polar or non-polar?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Is Acetone Polar or Non-Polar?
Acetone (C₃H₆O) is a polar molecule.
Explanation
Acetone, also known as propanone, is an organic solvent with a chemical structure of (CH₃)₂CO. It consists of a carbonyl (C=O) functional group at the center, flanked by two methyl (CH₃) groups.
1. Molecular Structure and Electronegativity
- The carbonyl (C=O) group is the most significant feature of acetone’s structure. Oxygen is highly electronegative, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly than carbon.
- This creates a partial negative charge (δ⁻) on oxygen and a partial positive charge (δ⁺) on carbon, making the carbonyl group highly polar.
2. Molecular Symmetry and Dipole Moment
- Even though acetone has two symmetrical methyl groups, they do not cancel out the polarity of the carbonyl group.
- The dipole moment of acetone is about 2.69 D, which is relatively high, confirming its polar nature.
3. Solubility and Intermolecular Forces
- Acetone is soluble in water because the polar C=O group can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
- It can also dissolve non-polar substances (like oils) due to the methyl groups, making it an excellent solvent for both polar and non-polar compounds.
Conclusion
Since acetone has a strong dipole moment and can form hydrogen bonds with water, it is correctly classified as a polar molecule.
Now, I will generate an image illustrating the molecular structure of acetone.
Here is the 3D molecular structure of acetone, illustrating its polarity, partial charges on the carbonyl group, and dipole moment direction. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!
