Is Benzene (C₆H₆) Polar or Nonpolar?
Is Benzene (C₆H₆) polar or nonpolar?
Benzene has six slightly polar C–H bonds (ΔEN = 0.35) arranged in a perfect hexagon. The D₆ₕ symmetry means every dipole is canceled by the one directly across the ring.
| Formula | C₆H₆ |
| Polarity | Nonpolar |
| Molecular Geometry | Planar Hexagonal |
| C–H Bond | ΔEN = 0.35 (weakly polar) |
| Net Dipole | No - dipoles cancel |
Bond Dipoles
Each C–H bond has ΔEN = 0.35. The C–C bonds within the ring are nonpolar. Six C–H dipoles point radially outward from the hexagonal ring.
Molecular Shape & Dipole Cancellation
Benzene is a perfect regular hexagon (D₆ₕ symmetry). Each C–H bond dipole has an identical dipole pointing in the exact opposite direction across the ring.
Net Dipole Moment
The perfect hexagonal symmetry cancels all dipoles. Benzene is nonpolar - it doesn't mix with water but is an excellent solvent for other nonpolar compounds.
See bond dipoles, partial charges, and net dipole moments on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Benzene's Polarity in 3DRelated Topics
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