Q30E - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Which of the following molecules has a dipole moment? Indicate the expected direction of each.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Following molecules have a dipole moment

Direction of dipole moment

Step 1: Dipole moment

The dipole moment is a measure of the separation of two electrical charges.

Dipole moment $\left(\mu \right)$ is a product of charge and distance between two opposite charges.

$\mu =q\times d$

Step 2: Direction of dipole moment

The direction of the dipole moment is from the less electronegative toward the more electronegative element.

Step 3(a) : Dipole moment and its direction for molecule (a)

Molecule a possess dipole moment and its direction is as shown below

Step 3(b): Dipole moment and its direction for molecule (b)

Molecule a possess dipole moment and its direction is as shown below

Step 3(c): Dipole moment and its direction for molecule (c)

Molecule a possess dipole moment and its direction is as shown below

Step 3(d): Dipole moment and its direction for molecule (d)

Molecule a possess dipole moment and its direction is as shown below

For this molecule the resultant dipole moment is zero as the opposite dipole moment cancels each other.