Is Acetylene (C₂H₂) Polar or Nonpolar?
Is Acetylene (C₂H₂) polar or nonpolar?
Acetylene has two slightly polar C–H bonds (ΔEN = 0.35) pointing in exactly opposite directions. The linear geometry causes complete cancellation.
| Formula | C₂H₂ |
| Polarity | Nonpolar |
| Molecular Geometry | Linear |
| C–H Bond | ΔEN = 0.35 (weakly polar) |
| Net Dipole | No - dipoles cancel |
Bond Dipoles
Each C–H bond has ΔEN = 0.35 - slightly polar. The C≡C triple bond is nonpolar. The two C–H dipoles point in opposite directions along the molecular axis.
Molecular Shape & Dipole Cancellation
Acetylene is perfectly linear (180°). The molecule is symmetric - each end is identical. The two C–H bonds point in exactly opposite directions.
Net Dipole Moment
Like CO₂, the linear symmetry of acetylene cancels the bond dipoles. Two equal dipoles pointing in opposite directions sum to zero.
See bond dipoles, partial charges, and net dipole moments on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Acetylene's Polarity in 3DRelated Topics
Acetylene VSEPR Shape
Predict the 3D shape of C₂H₂ using VSEPR theory
Acetylene Intermolecular Forces
Identify the intermolecular forces in C₂H₂
Is Water Polar?
Determine if H₂O is polar or nonpolar
Is Methane Polar?
Determine if CH₄ is polar or nonpolar
Is Carbon Dioxide Polar?
Determine if CO₂ is polar or nonpolar