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Multiple Choice
Why is a carbonyl group considered polar?
A
Because the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the carbon atom, creating a dipole moment.
B
Because the carbonyl group has a symmetrical structure, leading to a nonpolar characteristic.
C
Because both the carbon and oxygen atoms have equal electronegativity, resulting in no dipole moment.
D
Because the carbon atom is more electronegative than the oxygen atom, creating a dipole moment.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atoms involved in the carbonyl group: a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom.
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
Compare the electronegativities of carbon and oxygen: Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly.
Analyze the electron distribution in the carbonyl group: Due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, the electrons in the C=O bond are pulled closer to the oxygen atom.
Conclude the effect of this electron distribution: The unequal sharing of electrons creates a dipole moment, with a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the carbon, making the carbonyl group polar.