Is Methanol (CH₃OH) Polar or Nonpolar?
Is Methanol (CH₃OH) polar or nonpolar?
Methanol has a strongly polar O–H bond (ΔEN = 1.24) and a C–O bond (ΔEN = 0.89). The asymmetric structure prevents cancellation. The net dipole points toward the oxygen end of the molecule.
| Formula | CH₃OH |
| Polarity | Polar |
| Molecular Geometry | Tetrahedral |
| O–H Bond | ΔEN = 1.24 (polar) |
| C–O Bond | ΔEN = 0.89 (polar) |
| C–H Bond | ΔEN = 0.35 (weakly polar) |
| Net Dipole | Yes |
Bond Dipoles
The O–H bond (ΔEN = 1.24) and C–O bond (ΔEN = 0.89) are both significantly polar. The C–H bonds are only weakly polar (ΔEN = 0.35).
Molecular Shape & Dipole Cancellation
Carbon has tetrahedral geometry, but the substituents are not identical (three H's and one O). The O–H group is on one side of the molecule, creating asymmetry.
Net Dipole Moment
The large O–H and C–O dipoles combine to give a net dipole pointing toward the oxygen. This polarity is why methanol is miscible with water.
See bond dipoles, partial charges, and net dipole moments on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Methanol's Polarity in 3DRelated Topics
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