is clo2-, asf6-, sebr3+, i3-, o3, icl4+ and xebr4 polar or non polar

is clo2-, asf6-, sebr3+, i3-, o3, icl4+ and xebr4 polar or non polar?

The Correct Answer and Explanation is :

To determine whether the given molecules/ions are polar or nonpolar, we need to analyze their molecular geometry and electronegativity differences. A molecule is polar if it has an asymmetrical shape that creates a net dipole moment. Conversely, if the dipole moments cancel out due to symmetry, the molecule is nonpolar.


1. ( ClO_2^- ) (Chlorite ion) – Polar

  • Lewis Structure: Bent shape due to lone pairs on chlorine.
  • Electronegativity: Oxygen is more electronegative than chlorine.
  • Polarity: The bent shape prevents dipoles from canceling, making ( ClO_2^- ) polar.

2. ( AsF_6^- ) (Hexafluoroarsenate) – Nonpolar

  • Geometry: Octahedral.
  • Electronegativity: Fluorine pulls electrons evenly in opposite directions.
  • Polarity: Since the molecule is symmetric, dipoles cancel, making it nonpolar.

3. ( SeBr_3^+ ) (Selenium tribromide cation) – Polar

  • Geometry: Trigonal pyramidal due to lone pairs on selenium.
  • Electronegativity: Bromine is more electronegative than selenium.
  • Polarity: Asymmetry leads to a net dipole moment, making it polar.

4. ( I_3^- ) (Triiodide ion) – Nonpolar

  • Geometry: Linear (lone pairs on central iodine).
  • Electronegativity: Iodine atoms share electrons symmetrically.
  • Polarity: No net dipole moment due to linear shape, making it nonpolar.

5. ( O_3 ) (Ozone) – Polar

  • Geometry: Bent due to lone pairs on central oxygen.
  • Electronegativity: Oxygen has a strong dipole.
  • Polarity: Asymmetrical shape creates a net dipole, making it polar.

6. ( ICl_4^+ ) (Tetrachloroiodate cation) – Polar

  • Geometry: See-saw shape due to lone pair on iodine.
  • Electronegativity: Chlorine is more electronegative than iodine.
  • Polarity: Asymmetrical shape results in a net dipole, making it polar.

7. ( XeBr_4 ) (Xenon tetrabromide) – Nonpolar

  • Geometry: Square planar due to lone pairs on xenon.
  • Electronegativity: Bromine pulls symmetrically.
  • Polarity: Symmetry cancels out dipoles, making it nonpolar.

Final Answer:

Molecule/IonPolarity
( ClO_2^- )Polar
( AsF_6^- )Nonpolar
( SeBr_3^+ )Polar
( I_3^- )Nonpolar
( O_3 )Polar
( ICl_4^+ )Polar
( XeBr_4 )Nonpolar

Conclusion: Polarity depends on both electronegativity and molecular shape. Molecules with symmetrical geometry (e.g., octahedral, square planar, linear) are generally nonpolar, while asymmetrical ones (bent, trigonal pyramidal, see-saw) tend to be polar.

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