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:
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: -
Q:
What is glycol made of?
A: A glycol molecule is made of two hydroxy (OH) groups and carbon atoms of varying sizes and structures. It belongs to an alcohol family of organic compounds... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why is carbon unique?
A: Carbon is small and has four valence electrons; these factors combine into a unique structure that allows it to easily make a chain of carbon atoms. It cre... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a carbon atom?
A: Carbon atoms are the building blocks for carbon, which is the sixth most abundant element found in the universe. A carbon atom has six electrons, four of w... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
How many electrons does boron have?
-
Q:
Which metals on the periodic table are magnetic?
-
Q:
What is the part of the atom that accounts for electricity?
-
Q:
How many electrons does copper have?
-
Q:
Which elements are named after planets?
-
Q:
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does potassium have?
