Question

question 14 · 1 point
why is a carbonyl group polar?
select the correct answer below:
carbon is significantly less electronegative than oxygen.
oxygen is significantly less electronegative than carbon.
oxygen is significantly more electropositive than carbon.
none of the above

Explanation:

In a carbonyl group ($\ce{C=O}$), oxygen is more electronegative than carbon. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons. Since oxygen is more electronegative, it pulls the electron - density in the $\ce{C=O}$ bond towards itself. This creates a partial negative charge ($\delta-$) on oxygen and a partial positive charge ($\delta+$) on carbon, making the carbonyl group polar.

• Option 2: Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, so this option is wrong.
• Option 3: Oxygen is not electropositive. Electropositive means the tendency to donate electrons. Oxygen is electronegative (tends to accept electrons), so this option is wrong.
• Option 4: Since option 1 is correct, this option is wrong.

Answer:

Carbon is significantly less electronegative than oxygen.