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The formula for alcohol (ethanol) is CH3CH2OH. The OH group has a polar bond, as in water, because the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atom. This means the oxygen has a greater attraction for the shared electrons in the bond than the hydrogen does. The oxygen therefore carries a slight negative charge, leaving the hydrogen with a slight positive charge ie the bond is polar.

The polar OH group can then form hydrogen bonds with water, allowing the two substances to mix with each other.

See:

http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/162othermolecules.html

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13y ago
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6mo ago

Alcohol is a polar molecule because it contains an -OH (hydroxyl) group, which creates an uneven distribution of charge within the molecule. This results in a separation of positive and negative charges, making it polar.

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10y ago

All alcohols are polar.

Because of the strenght of the attraction of the OH group, first three alcohols (methanol, ethanol and propanol) are completely miscible. They dissolve in water in any amount. Starting with the four-carbon butanol the solubility of alcohols is starting to decrease. After the 7-carbon heptanol, alcohols are considered immiscible.

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16y ago

well i do know that the 0-H bond, which is called the hydroxyl group is a highly polar bond and that all alcohols (OH group attached) are highly polar.

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15y ago

IT IS POLAR BECOZ IT HAS OH GROUP IN IT WHICH SHOWS POLARITY

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9y ago

All alcohols are polar. Because of the strength of the attraction of the OH group, first three alcohols (methanol, ethanol and propanol) are completely miscible.

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Q: Is alcohol a polar or non-polar molecule?
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