Is sugar polar or nonpolar and why?
I think it's nonpolar, but I don't really know why...
Please help.
Thank you.
Thanks a lot!
Also one more question..
What general rule determines whether a solute will dissolve in a solvent?
Thanks!
Greetings. Consider sucrose (C12H22O11). These atoms that make up sucrose are held together by bonds. Consider the oxygen and hydrogen bonds of sucrose. An oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, therefore attracts electrons in the bonds more so than hydrogen atoms, which is less electronegative. This produces an unevenly distributed charge within the molecule that ultimately makes the sucrose polar (an example of a "permanent dipole"). Interestingly, refined sugar is defined by the USDA by polarity.
Sugar, also known as sucrose, is a polar molecule. To understand why, let's break it down.
First, it's important to know that the polarity of a molecule is determined by the distribution of its atoms and the presence of polar bonds. In turn, polar bonds occur when there is a significant difference in the electronegativity (or electron-attracting power) between atoms.
When we look at the structure of sugar, it consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. The oxygen atoms are more electronegative than the hydrogen and carbon atoms. Consequently, the oxygen atoms pull electrons towards themselves, creating partial negative charges (δ-) on the oxygen atoms.
Since the carbon and hydrogen atoms have less electronegativity than oxygen, they carry partial positive charges (δ+). This separation of positive and negative charges within the molecule is what makes it polar.
Moreover, sugar contains multiple oxygen-hydrogen bonds (known as hydroxyl groups), which are polar bonds due to the electronegativity difference between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.
Therefore, while sugar is made up of nonpolar carbon and hydrogen atoms, the presence of polar bonds and the asymmetric distribution of charges across the molecule make it overall polar.
To determine the polarity of a molecule, you can also look at the molecular geometry and symmetry if it is available. However, in the case of sugar, its structure is relatively complex, so relying on the electronegativity differences is a more straightforward approach.
Remember, understanding the electronegativity differences and the distribution of charges is essential in determining the polarity of a molecule.