Is Ethane (C₂H₆) Polar or Nonpolar?
Is Ethane (C₂H₆) polar or nonpolar?
Ethane has a nonpolar C–C bond and six slightly polar C–H bonds (ΔEN = 0.35). The symmetric arrangement of three hydrogens around each carbon cancels all dipoles.
| Formula | C₂H₆ |
| Polarity | Nonpolar |
| Molecular Geometry | Tetrahedral (each C) |
| C–H Bond | ΔEN = 0.35 (weakly polar) |
| Net Dipole | No - dipoles cancel |
Bond Dipoles
The C–C bond is nonpolar (same element). Each C–H bond has ΔEN = 0.35 - slightly polar. The three C–H bonds on each carbon are arranged symmetrically.
Molecular Shape & Dipole Cancellation
Each carbon has tetrahedral geometry with three hydrogens. The molecule has a center of symmetry - every dipole on one side is matched by an equal opposite dipole on the other.
Net Dipole Moment
The symmetric arrangement cancels all bond dipoles. Ethane is nonpolar, like all symmetric hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are generally insoluble in water for this reason.
See bond dipoles, partial charges, and net dipole moments on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Ethane's Polarity in 3DRelated Topics
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