In chemistry, 'nonpolar' describes a molecule or a covalent bond wherein the electrons are shared equally between the atoms. This equal sharing results in no significant charge separation, meaning there are no partial positive or negative charges (δ+ or δ-) on the molecule's atoms. nonpolar molecules typically exhibit weak intermolecular forces, primarily London dispersion forces, leading to lower melting and boiling points compared to polar molecules. This characteristic stems from the lack of a dipole moment within the molecule.
Nonpolar meaning with examples
- Methane (CH₄) is a classic example of a nonpolar molecule. The four carbon-hydrogen bonds are relatively symmetrical, and carbon and hydrogen have similar electronegativities, resulting in an even distribution of electrons. As a result, methane molecules exhibit weak intermolecular interactions, causing it to be a gas at room temperature with a low boiling point.
- Hexane, a common solvent in organic chemistry, is nonpolar. Its structure is composed of a chain of six carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. The nearly equal electronegativity of carbon and hydrogen results in nonpolar bonds. Consequently, hexane readily dissolves other nonpolar substances, like fats, and does not dissolve polar substances like water.
- The solubility of iodine (I₂) in nonpolar solvents like carbon tetrachloride is a direct consequence of iodine's nonpolar nature. Because the atoms are identical, there is perfectly even sharing of electrons. Its nonpolar nature allows it to dissolve well in other nonpolar solvents, showcasing the 'like dissolves like' principle in chemistry.
- Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, is a vast, nonpolar molecule. Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms with equal sharing of electrons. Therefore, graphene displays electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength, properties associated with its nonpolar structure and the resulting strong covalent bonds.
- Many lipids and fats are largely composed of long hydrocarbon chains that are nonpolar. Their nonpolar nature contributes to their insolubility in water. This hydrophobic behavior is essential for their functions within biological systems, such as the formation of cell membranes.
Nonpolar Synonyms
apolar homopolar non-dipolar symmetricalNonpolar Antonyms
asymmetrical dipolar polarNonpolar Crossword Answers
8 Letters
NONIONIC