Electronegativity Chemistry Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 4

medium
Which bond is more polar, C–H or O–H? Use these electronegativity values: C = 2.5, H = 2.1, O = 3.5.

Solution

  1. 1
    For C–H, the electronegativity difference is ∣2.5−2.1∣=0.4|2.5 - 2.1| = 0.4. For O–H, it is ∣3.5−2.1∣=1.4|3.5 - 2.1| = 1.4.
  2. 2
    Because O–H has the larger difference, it is the more polar bond.

Answer

O–H is more polar\text{O–H is more polar}
Bond polarity depends on how unevenly shared electrons are pulled. Larger electronegativity differences create stronger partial charges and a more polar bond.

About Electronegativity

A dimensionless measure of how strongly an atom attracts the shared electrons in a covalent bond toward itself, quantified on the Pauling scale from 0.7.

Learn more about Electronegativity →

More Electronegativity Examples

Example 1 easy

Arrange the following elements in order of increasing electronegativity: Na, Cl, F, O.

Example 2 medium

In the molecule HF, the electronegativity of H is 2.1 and F is 4.0. Describe the bond polarity and i

Example 3 easy

Which bond is more polar: H–Cl or H–Br? (EN values: H = 2.1, Cl = 3.0, Br = 2.8)

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