Is trigonal bipyramidal polar or nonpolar?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking whether the trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry results in a polar or nonpolar molecule. To understand this, we need to consider the arrangement of atoms and lone pairs around the central atom, as well as the electronegativity of the atoms involved. If the dipole moments do not cancel out, the molecule is polar; if they cancel out, it is nonpolar.

More Information

Trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry is non-polar due to its symmetric shape, which allows for the dipole moments to cancel out.

Tips

A common mistake is confusing the overall molecule's polarity with the polarity of individual bonds. In a trigonal bipyramidal shape, the symmetry plays a crucial role in determining the overall non-polar nature.

Sources

• Trigonal Bipyramidal Molecular Geometry - Libretexts - chem.libretexts.org
• McCord - Trigonal Bipyramid - 5 regions - mccord.cm.utexas.edu
• Chemistry Community Post - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu