Is Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) Polar or Nonpolar?
Is Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) polar or nonpolar?
Ethanol has a strongly polar O–H bond (ΔEN = 1.24) and a polar C–O bond (ΔEN = 0.89). The asymmetric structure prevents cancellation. The net dipole points toward the electronegative oxygen.
| Formula | C₂H₅OH |
| Polarity | Polar |
| Molecular Geometry | Tetrahedral |
| O–H Bond | ΔEN = 1.24 (polar) |
| C–O Bond | ΔEN = 0.89 (polar) |
| C–H Bond | ΔEN = 0.35 (weakly polar) |
| Net Dipole | Yes |
Bond Dipoles
The O–H bond (ΔEN = 1.24) and C–O bond (ΔEN = 0.89) are both significantly polar. The C–H bonds (ΔEN = 0.35) are only weakly polar. The oxygen end dominates.
Molecular Shape & Dipole Cancellation
Each carbon has tetrahedral geometry, but the molecule is asymmetric - one end has the polar O–H group while the other is a nonpolar CH₃. This prevents cancellation.
Net Dipole Moment
The large O–H and C–O dipoles combine to give a net dipole pointing toward oxygen. This is why ethanol is miscible with water - both are polar with hydrogen bonding.
See bond dipoles, partial charges, and net dipole moments on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Ethanol's Polarity in 3DRelated Topics
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