Is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Ionic or Covalent?
Is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ionic or covalent?
CO2 has polar C=O bonds, but the linear geometry causes the bond dipoles to cancel. Each C=O bond is polar covalent, but the overall molecule is nonpolar.
| Formula | CO2 |
| Name | Carbon Dioxide |
| Bond Type | Polar Covalent |
| EN Values | C: 2.55, O: 3.44 |
| EN Difference | 0.89 |
| Electron Behavior | Unequal sharing |
| Melting Point | -78 C (sublimes) |
| Conductivity | Does not conduct electricity |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water |
| Key Concept | Polar bonds in a nonpolar molecule (dipole cancellation) |
Overview
Carbon dioxide has two double bonds to oxygen in a linear arrangement. Each bond is polar, but the molecule overall is nonpolar.
Electronegativity Analysis
C has EN 2.55, O has 3.44. The difference of 0.89 makes each C=O bond polar covalent.
Electron Behavior
In each C=O bond, electrons are pulled toward oxygen. But since the two bonds point in opposite directions, their dipoles cancel out.
Physical Properties
Despite having polar bonds, CO2 behaves like a nonpolar molecule. It sublimes at -78 C and is only slightly soluble in water.
See electronegativity values, partial charges, and bond character on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Carbon Dioxide's Bonding in 3DRelated Topics
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Interactive Periodic Table
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