Overview of Polarity in Organic Molecules

What is the relationship between polar bonds and the overall polarity of organic molecules?

Select the correct statement:

A. If identical polar bonds in a molecule are symmetrically arranged, it will be nonpolar.

B. All tetrahedral molecules are nonpolar, since the bonds are symmetrically arranged.

C. If a molecule contains polar bonds, then it will be a polar molecule.

D. A molecule with a single polar bond will be polar overall.

Correct Statement:

C. If a molecule contains polar bonds, then it will be a polar molecule.

When discussing the overall polarity of organic molecules, it is important to understand the role of polar bonds in determining the molecule's polarity.

A polar bond between two atoms is characterized by significant differences in their electronegativities, resulting in unequal sharing of electrons and the presence of a dipole moment.

In a molecule with polar bonds, the negative charge center is located on one side, while the positive charge center is on the opposite side, leading to the molecule being classified as polar overall.

Therefore, the presence of polar bonds in a molecule directly influences its overall polarity, making it a key factor in determining the molecule's properties and interactions with other molecules.