Polar and Non Polar

Molecules
Prepared by: Ross Danver M. De Jesus
Learning Objective:
Determine if a molecule is polar and
nonpolar given its structure.
Lewis Dot Notation/Structure

- A simplified representation of the

valence shell electrons in an atom or
molecule. It is used to show how the
electrons are arranged around individual
atoms in a molecule.
Electrons are shown as “dots” or for
bonding electrons as a “line” between the
two atoms. The goal is to obtain the best
electron configuration or the octet rule.
How to draw a Lewis dot structure?

Step 1. Count the number of valence

electron an atom have.

Example: Chlorine = 7 valence electron

Helium = 2 valence electron

Carbon = 4 valence electron

Oxygen = 6 valence electron

Note: Atoms share electrons in order to
get a full octet or eight electrons to
become stable (duet for Hydrogen). This
is termed as covalent bonding that
happen in non-metal elements.

Example: H2
Note: Dots are for non-bonding atoms
and lines are for bonding atoms or
molecules.

One line = single bond = 2 electrons

Two lines= double bond= 4 electrons

Three lines = triple bond= 6 electrons

Double Bond

*Shared electrons
are counted as
owned by both
atoms.

Triple Bond * 2 dots are called

lone pairs
Step 2: Determine the central atom( the
element there is only one of) and draw a
single bond to the central atom.

Example: H20

Step 3: Put all the remaining valence

electrons on atoms as lone pairs.
Step 4:Turn lone pairs into double bonds or
triple bonds to give every atom an octet or
(duet).

Sample molecule: SO3 (Sulfur Trioxide)

Activity: Draw the Lewis dot structure for
the following compounds.

1. H2S 2. HCN

3. BF3 4. SO2
Polar molecule
Happens when there is unequal or
asymmetrical distribution of electrons
among the atoms of a molecule.
Example: Water molecule 𝐻2 0

𝐻2 0
Molecular structure of Oxygen

Octet Rule

States that atom tend

to gain , share or
transfer electrons in
order to attain a
stable 8 valence
electron configuration
 Oxygen Hydrogen

Needs 2 more electrons Needs 1 electron

Electronegativity

Relative ability of
an atom to draw
electrons in a bond
toward itself.
The unequal
sharing of
electrons between
atoms create a
dipole moment or
two poles.
Non Polar Molecule
There is an equal or symmetrical
distribution of electrons among the
atoms in a molecule.
Oxygen gas
Since the pair of electron is shared
equally between atoms, there is no
partial charge created, hence,
there is no dipole moment.
 Determining Polarity Based on
Electronegativity

The polarity of a molecule can also be

determined based on the electronegativity
difference between the atoms present in a
molecule
The electronegativity value increases
from left to right, which means that
non-metals are more electronegative
than metals
Bond Range
Electronegativity Bond Type
Difference
0-0.4 Nonpolar Covalent Bond
0.5-2 Polar Covalent Bond
2.1 above ( between Ionic
non-metals)
Example:

1. 𝐻2 0

O= 3.5
H= 2-1
3.5-2.1= 1.4

1.4= Polar Covalent Bond

2. 𝑂2

O= 3.5
3.5-3.5= 0

0= Non Polar Covalent Bond

The polarity of a molecule do not
depend solely on the type of bond
present but also on the shape of the
molecules.

This means that there are molecules

who are polar in bonding but is
actually a non polar molecule based on
the shape of the molecules.
Example:

C𝑂2
 Polar bond

3.5-1.5= 1
1= Polar bond
On molecular geometry Carbon
dioxide is a linear molecule making it
a non polar molecule.