D

Debye

1 D = 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m
Quick Reference
Formula / Notation1 D = 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m
Also Known AsDebye unit; D (dipole moment unit); electric dipole moment unit; 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m

What is Debye?

The Debye (symbol: D) is a unit of electric dipole moment, named after physicist Peter Debye. It is used to express the magnitude of molecular dipole moments. One Debye equals 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ coulomb-metres (C·m). The Debye unit is commonly used because SI units give very small values for molecular dipole moments. Water has a dipole moment of 1.85 D.

Formula & Notation

1 D = 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m

Other Names / Synonyms: Debye unit; D (dipole moment unit); electric dipole moment unit; 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m

Properties & Characteristics

1 D = 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m; typical molecular dipole moments: 0 D (symmetric, e.g., CO₂) to ~4 D (e.g., H₂S or CH₃Cl); water: 1.85 D; HCl: 1.08 D; HF: 1.82 D; measured by microwave spectroscopy or dielectric constant methods

Uses & Applications

Quantifying molecular polarity; predicting intermolecular forces (dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding); explaining physical properties (boiling point, solubility, viscosity); characterising dielectric materials; NMR and IR spectroscopy calibration

Safety Information

No hazard — a unit of measurement.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Debye
Formula 1 D = 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m
Synonyms Debye unit; D (dipole moment unit); electric dipole moment unit; 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ C·m

Frequently Asked Questions

The Debye (symbol: D) is a unit of electric dipole moment, named after physicist Peter Debye. It is used to express the magnitude of molecular dipole moments. One Debye equals 3.336 × 10⁻³⁰ coulomb-metres (C·m). The Debye unit is commonly used because SI units give very small values for molecular dipole moments. Water has a dipole moment of 1.85 D.

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