Is butane polar or nonpolar?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether butane, a hydrocarbon, is a polar or nonpolar molecule. To answer this, we will look at the molecular structure and the distribution of electron density.
Answer
nonpolar
The final answer is nonpolar
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is nonpolar
More Information
Butane (C4H10) is nonpolar because it contains only nonpolar C-H and C-C bonds, and the molecule has a symmetrical shape which cancels out any dipole moments.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that the presence of C-H bonds might contribute to polarity. However, the symmetry and small electronegativity difference render the molecule nonpolar.
Sources
- 2.06: Intermolecular Force and Physical Properties of Organic Compounds - LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Toppr - toppr.com
- Studocu - studocu.com
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