What Is Non Polar?

Chemistry can be very confusing, but can pose a rewarding challenge for any student. Understanding the technical jargon takes time and special preparation--such as understanding what a "non polar" means. Understanding this simple but important term is the key to starting on a successful chemistry experience.

Identification

Polarity is the the charge that hold a slightly positively-charged dipole of one atom to the slightly negatively-charged dipole of another to form a molecule. "Non polar" means that there is equal sharing of electrons between two or more different atoms. An example of a non-polar compound is oil and iodine.

Features

Most non-polar compounds repel water, a trait which is known as being "hydrophobic." Because water is a polar compound, non-polar compounds, such as oil, do not intermix with it at room temperature. Though it may be possible to temporarily mix a non-polar and a polar compound (such as shaking a bottle of oil-and-vinegar dressing), if left alone, the non-polar and polar compounds will eventually separate from each other.

Warning

"Non polar" does not mean harmless, however. Some highly toxic substances, such as turpentine, are non polar. "Non polar" merely refers to the dipole bonding, and not to the safety of a compound.

Exceptions

Typically, non-polar molecules are defined as an equal sharing of electrons between two identical non-metals. An exception to this is the majority of hydrocarbons: sugars, oils, etc. In such cases, hydrogen bonds with carbon, forming a non-polar molecule.

Difference

Polar bonding, which creates non-polar compounds, is different from ionic bonding, in that neither atom loses an electron. Non-polar bonding is also called "covalent bonding."

Resources

• Elmhurst College: Non-polar covalent compounds
• Ohio State University, Mansfield: Overview of molecular bonding