Predict the polarity of acetone, C3H6O, and acetic acid, HC2H3O2. Group of answer choices Both solvents are polar. Both solvents are nonpolar. Acetone is polar, and acetic acid is nonpolar. Acetone is nonpolar, and acetic acid is polar.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: Both solvents are polar.
Explanation:
Acetone (C3H6O):
Acetone is a polar solvent due to the presence of a highly electronegative oxygen atom in the carbonyl group (C=O). Oxygen has a significant partial negative charge, while the carbonyl carbon has a partial positive charge, creating a dipole moment. Additionally, the molecule has a symmetrical structure around the carbonyl group, making it a polar molecule overall. This polarity allows acetone to dissolve other polar substances, such as salts, and explains its use as a solvent in various chemical reactions.
Acetic Acid (HC2H3O2):
Acetic acid is also polar, primarily due to the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). The carboxyl group is highly polar because of the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen, as well as the asymmetry of the molecule. The oxygen atoms in the carboxyl group pull electron density toward themselves, creating a dipole moment. The hydrogen atom attached to the oxygen in the carboxyl group can form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules, contributing further to the molecule’s polarity. As a result, acetic acid can easily dissolve in polar solvents and exhibit strong intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding.
Thus, both acetone and acetic acid exhibit properties of polar solvents.
