Q:
Is COCl2 polar?
A:
Quick Answer
COCl2 is a polar molecule because the dipole between the carbon and the chlorine atoms is not equal to the dipole between the carbon and oxygen atoms. Molecules are only non-polar if they contain no polar bonds or if the partial charges cancel out each other.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
To determine if a molecule is polar, it is important to first analyze all the bonds. In COCl2 all three of the bonds have dipoles because the electronegativity of oxygen, chlorine and carbon are all different. The direction and magnitude of these dipoles can be determined by calculating the difference in elecronegativity. If there are polar bonds (bonds with partial charges), and those bonds do not completely cancel each other out, the molecule is polar.
Learn more about Atoms & MoleculesSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What factors affect the stability of carbocations?
A: The stability of carbocations is affected by neighboring carbon atoms, neighboring lone pairs and carbon-carbon multiple bonds. When a carbon atom forms a ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the structural formula of methanol?
A: The structural formula of methanol is represented by one carbon atom bonded to one oxygen atom and three hydrogen atoms, with the oxygen atom bonded to ano... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, and what are their uses?
A: Alkanes are a class of organic chemicals that all have single bonds between carbon atoms, alkenes are organic compounds with at least one double bond betwe... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why is graphite a good lubricant?
A: Graphite is a mineral made of loosely bonded sheets of carbon atoms, giving it a slippery texture that makes it a very effective lubricant. This slippery q... Full Answer >Filed Under:
