Question

classify the following bond as ionic, polar covalent, or nonpolar covalent:
the co bond in c₃h₈o₃.
ionic
polar covalent
nonpolar covalent

Explanation:

• Ionic bonds occur between metals and non - metals with a large electronegativity difference. Carbon (\(C\)) and oxygen (\(O\)) are both non - metals.
• For non - polar covalent bonds, the electronegativity difference (\(\Delta EN\)) between the two atoms is \(0\leq\Delta EN<0.5\). For polar covalent bonds, \(0.5\leq\Delta EN < 1.7\).
• The electronegativity of \(C = 2.5\) and of \(O=3.5\). The electronegativity difference \(\Delta EN=3.5 - 2.5=1.0\). Since \(0.5\leq1.0<1.7\), the \(C - O\) bond is polar covalent.

Answer:

polar covalent