Is Ethene (C₂H₄) Polar or Nonpolar?
Is Ethene (C₂H₄) polar or nonpolar?
Ethene has a nonpolar C=C bond and four slightly polar C–H bonds (ΔEN = 0.35). The planar symmetry means all dipoles cancel.
| Formula | C₂H₄ |
| Polarity | Nonpolar |
| Molecular Geometry | Trigonal Planar (each C) |
| C–H Bond | ΔEN = 0.35 (weakly polar) |
| Net Dipole | No - dipoles cancel |
Bond Dipoles
The C=C double bond is nonpolar (same element). Each C–H bond has ΔEN = 0.35. With two C–H bonds on each carbon, they partially cancel within each CH₂ group.
Molecular Shape & Dipole Cancellation
Ethene is completely planar with D₂ₕ symmetry. Each carbon has trigonal planar geometry. The molecule has mirror planes that ensure complete symmetry.
Net Dipole Moment
The high symmetry of ethene cancels all bond dipoles. Like all symmetric hydrocarbons, ethene is nonpolar.
See bond dipoles, partial charges, and net dipole moments on interactive 3D molecules.
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