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Is Octane polar or nonpolar? – Polarity of C8H18

The question is –

Is Octane (C8H18) polar or nonpolar?

Answer:

Octane (C8H18) is non-polar. 

Explanation:

Octane (C8H18) is non-polar as it consists of symmetrically arranged non-polar C-C and weakly polar C-H bonds.

The small dipole moments of weakly polar C-H bonds get canceled equally in opposite directions to yield an overall non-polar molecule (net µ = 0).

The C8H18 molecule consists of seven C-C and eighteen C-H single covalent bonds.

Each C-C bond is purely non-polar as it consists of identical carbon atoms having a zero electronegativity difference.

In contrast, a C-H bond is only weakly polar (almost non-polar as per Pauling’s electronegativity scale) as an electronegativity difference of 0.35 units exists between a carbon (E.N = 2.55) and a hydrogen (E.N = 2.20) atom.

is Octane (C8H18) polar or nonpolar

However, it is due to the symmetrical tetrahedral shape of C8H18 w.r.t each C-atom that the small C-H dipole moments get canceled equally to yield an overall non-polar molecule with a net zero resultant dipole moment.

Also, check –

How to identify polar or nonpolar compounds?

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Vishal Goyal is the founder of Topblogtenz, a comprehensive resource for students seeking guidance and support in their chemistry studies. He holds a degree in B.Tech (Chemical Engineering) and has four years of experience as a chemistry tutor. The team at Topblogtenz includes experts like experienced researchers, professors, and educators, with the goal of making complex subjects like chemistry accessible and understandable for all. A passion for sharing knowledge and a love for chemistry and science drives the team behind the website. Let's connect through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-goyal-2926a122b/

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