Describes molecules or bonds with no net dipole moment. In nonpolar molecules, electrons are shared equally between atoms or the dipoles cancel out due to molecular symmetry. Nonpolar molecules dissolve well in nonpolar solvents and do not dissolve readily in water.
Other Names / Synonyms: Nonpolar molecule, apolar compound, nonpolar substance
Properties & Characteristics
A non-polar substance has negligible or zero net dipole moment, either because its bonds are essentially non-polar (ΔEN < 0.4-0.5) or because the bond dipoles cancel due to molecular symmetry (e.g., CCl₄: four C-Cl dipoles cancel due to tetrahedral symmetry; CO₂: two C=O dipoles cancel in linear geometry). Non-polar molecules are held together only by London dispersion forces and are generally insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents.
Uses & Applications
Non-polar characteristics determine: solubility (non-polar compounds dissolve in non-polar solvents — used in liquid-liquid extraction with hexane, DCM, ether), chromatographic behaviour (retained longer on non-polar stationary phases in reversed-phase HPLC), membrane permeability (non-polar drugs cross biological membranes readily), and fire risk (many non-polar organics are highly flammable).
Safety Information
Non-polar organic solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, petroleum ether) are highly flammable and toxic to the nervous system (hexane causes peripheral neuropathy via 2-hexanone metabolite). Non-polar compounds bioaccumulate in fatty tissue (PCBs, dioxins). Ensure adequate ventilation and fire prevention when working with non-polar organic solvents.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Describes molecules or bonds with no net dipole moment. In nonpolar molecules, electrons are shared equally between atoms or the dipoles cancel out due to molecular symmetry. Nonpolar molecules dissolve well in nonpolar solvents and do not dissolve readily in water.
Non-polar characteristics determine: solubility (non-polar compounds dissolve in non-polar solvents — used in liquid-liquid extraction with hexane, DCM, ether), chromatographic behaviour (retained longer on non-polar stationary phases in reversed-phase HPLC), membrane permeability (non-polar drugs c…
Non-polar organic solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, petroleum ether) are highly flammable and toxic to the nervous system (hexane causes peripheral neuropathy via 2-hexanone metabolite). Non-polar compounds bioaccumulate in fatty tissue (PCBs, dioxins). Ensure adequate ventilation and fire prevention w…
The formula or notation for Non-Polar is: Non-polar: Δχ < 0.4 (or 0.5); μ ≈ 0; e.g., CH₄, CCl₄, Br₂
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
