answersLogoWhite

0

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

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

ViviVivi
Your ride-or-die bestie who's seen you through every high and low.
Chat with Vivi
JudyJudy
Simplicity is my specialty.
Chat with Judy
BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
More answers

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.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

10mo ago
User Avatar

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
User Avatar

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago
User Avatar

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

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
User Avatar

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Is alcohol a polar or non-polar molecule?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp