Molecular Polarity

We can explain a lot of properties about molecules once we understand if they are polar or not. How do we work out if they are polar?

Polar molecules have a dipole due to asymmetric charge distribution. One side of the molecule is slightly negative and the other side is slightly positive. Polar molecules have higher melting/boiling points, and can dissolve ionic substances.

NB. This only works if there are more than two atoms in the molecule.