Question:

Which of the following molecules is non-polar in nature

Updated On: Nov 13, 2025
  • NO2

  • POCl3

  • CH2O

  • SbCl5

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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To determine which molecule is non-polar, we need to consider the molecular shape and the distribution of charge across the molecule. A molecule is non-polar if the distribution of electron charge is even, meaning there are no distinct positively or negatively charged areas.

  1. NO2: The nitrogen dioxide molecule is bent due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. This bent structure results in an uneven distribution of charge, making NO2 polar.
  2. POCl3: Phosphoryl chloride has a trigonal pyramidal structure due to one lone pair on the phosphorus atom. This asymmetrical shape leads to a polar molecule.
  3. CH2O: Formaldehyde is also a polar molecule because of its trigonal planar shape and the presence of a highly electronegative oxygen atom, causing an uneven charge distribution.
  4. SbCl5: Antimony pentachloride has a trigonal bipyramidal structure. Despite the electronegativity of chlorine atoms, the symmetrical arrangement of the molecule cancels out any dipole moments, resulting in a non-polar molecule.

The correct answer is SbCl5 as it has a symmetrical shape that ensures an even distribution of charge, making it non-polar.

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Concepts Used:

Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

Such a group of atoms is called a molecule. Obviously, there must be some force that holds these constituent atoms together in the molecules. The attractive force which holds various constituents (atoms, ions, etc.) together in different chemical species is called a chemical bond.

Types of Chemical Bonds:

There are 4 types of chemical bonds which are formed by atoms or molecules to yield compounds. 

  • Ionic Bonds - Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bonding which involves a transfer of electrons from one atom or molecule to another.
  • Covalent Bonds - Compounds that contain carbon commonly exhibit this type of chemical bonding. 
  • Hydrogen Bonds -  It is a type of polar covalent bonding between oxygen and hydrogen wherein the hydrogen develops a partial positive charge
  • Polar Bonds - In Polar Covalent chemical bonding, electrons are shared unequally since the more electronegative atom pulls the electron pair closer to itself and away from the less electronegative atom.

Factors Affecting Bond Enthalpy in Chemical Bonding:

  • Size of the Atom
  • Multiplicity of Bonds
  • Number of Lone Pair of Electrons Present
  • Bond Angle