General Chemistry

General Questions

Carbon disulfide (CS2) is a molecule that is often used in the discussion of molecular polarity. To determine whether a molecule is polar or nonpolar, we need to consider two factors: the polarity of the bonds within the molecule and the shape of the molecule itself. Firstly, let's consider the polarity of the bonds. Polarity arises due to the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in a bond. Electronegativity is a measure of how strongly an atom can attract a bonding pair of electrons. In the case of carbon disulfide, the molecule is made up of one carbon atom and two sulfur atoms. The electronegativity of carbon is approximately 2.55, and that of sulfur is approximately 2.58. The difference in electronegativity is very small, indicating that the bonds are essentially nonpolar. Secondly, we need to consider the shape of the molecule. Carbon disulfide has a linear molecular geometry, with the carbon atom in the center and the two sulfur atoms on either side. This symmetry means that any small polarity in the C-S bonds would be cancelled out, as the dipoles are in opposite directions and of equal magnitude. Therefore, considering both the negligible difference in electronegativity and the linear shape of the molecule, we can conclude that carbon disulfide is a nonpolar molecule. The implications of carbon disulfide being nonpolar are significant in terms of its physical properties and its interactions with other substances. Nonpolar molecules tend to have lower boiling and melting points than polar molecules, as they do not have strong intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonds. This is indeed the case with carbon disulfide, which has a boiling point of -46.3 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, nonpolar molecules are generally soluble in nonpolar solvents and insoluble in polar solvents. This is due to the principle of "like dissolves like", meaning substances with similar polarity tend to dissolve each other. Therefore, carbon disulfide would be expected to dissolve in nonpolar solvents like hexane, but not in polar solvents like water. In summary, carbon disulfide is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical linear shape and the negligible difference in electronegativity between carbon and sulfur. This nonpolarity affects its physical properties and its solubility in different solvents.

Question

Is carbon disulfide polar or nonpolar, and what are the implications?

Solution

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