Is hco3- polar or nonpolar

Answer 1

I was wondering about this as well. Here is what I think and perhaps someone else could agree or disagree?

The base of HCO3 would be the CO3 2- polyatomic ion. This has a trigonal pyramidal shape according to VSEPR theory. Each oxygen will be spaced evenly around the carbon atom and thus the individual dipoles created between each C and O will cancel. No overall dipole would exist and the molecule would be nonpolar. BUT, when we add the H to one of the oxygen atoms, there is a dipole created between the H and O. This dipole would not be cancelled by anything and thus there would be a small dipole on this molecule which leads me to think it is polar.

Any thoughts?

Answer 2

HCO3- is a polar molecule. This is because the carbonate ion has a trigonal planar molecular geometry with a net negative charge, creating an uneven distribution of electron density. The oxygen atoms in the carbonate ion have a higher electronegativity than the carbon atom, resulting in a polar covalent bond between carbon and oxygen.

Answer 3

I was wondering about this as well. Here is what I think and perhaps someone else could agree or disagree?

The base of HCO3 would be the CO3 2- polyatomic ion. This has a trigonal pyramidal shape according to VSEPR theory. Each oxygen will be spaced evenly around the carbon atom and thus the individual dipoles created between each C and O will cancel. No overall dipole would exist and the molecule would be nonpolar. BUT, when we add the H to one of the oxygen atoms, there is a dipole created between the H and O. This dipole would not be cancelled by anything and thus there would be a small dipole on this molecule which leads me to think it is polar.

Any thoughts?

Answer 4

Its Polar, according to the Electron Domain Theory, 2 Conditions must satisfy for it to be Polar, HCO3 -, is has an Assymetrical structure, and also 2 or more of its atoms of that molecule, MUST have a difference in electronegativity

Also in Simpler Terms: Water is Polar, if it dissolved in Water that means its a polar substance, as Polar Dissolves Polar, and Non Polar dissolves Non polar

Answer 5

HCO3- is a polar molecule. The asymmetrical arrangement of atoms (carbon, hydrogen, and three oxygen atoms) in the bicarbonate ion causes an unequal distribution of charge, resulting in a polar covalent bond.