Is C3H6O polar or non-polar
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Acetone, C3H6O, is a polar molecule.
Here’s why:
- Molecular Structure: Acetone consists of a central carbon (C) atom bonded to two methyl groups (-CH3) and a carbonyl group (-C=O). The molecule has a trigonal planar geometry around the central carbon, which creates regions of differing electron density.
- Polarity of Bonds: The carbonyl group (-C=O) is highly polar. Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, meaning the electron density is pulled towards the oxygen atom, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the carbon. This makes the C=O bond polar.
- Asymmetry: Acetone is an asymmetrical molecule because the two methyl groups are not identical to the carbonyl group. While the methyl groups are non-polar (due to similar electronegativity between carbon and hydrogen), the presence of the highly polar C=O group creates an overall dipole moment, where the partial negative charge on the oxygen atom pulls electrons away from the rest of the molecule.
- Dipole Moment: The unequal distribution of electron density across the molecule results in a net dipole moment, meaning that the molecule has a positive and negative side, making it polar.
- Solvent Properties: Acetone is an excellent solvent for a wide variety of polar and non-polar substances, further confirming its polarity. This solvent ability is a result of its polar nature, which allows it to interact with a variety of solutes, both through dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding.
In summary, acetone is a polar molecule due to the presence of a highly electronegative oxygen atom in the carbonyl group, which creates a net dipole moment. The asymmetrical arrangement of atoms in the molecule ensures that the polarity is not canceled out.
