Why is SnCl4 polar?

Answer 1

Tin tetrachloride is a tetrahedral molecule that is nonpolar. The individual Sn-Cl bonds are polar, but the shape of the molecule, similar to carbon tetrachloride, makes the molecule itself nonpolar.

Answer 2

SnCl4 is polar because the chlorine atoms are more electronegative than the tin atom, causing an unequal distribution of electron density in the molecule. This creates a dipole moment, leading to a net molecular polarity.