Question

Explain why is \[\ce{O = C =O}\] nonpolar while \[\ce{R - O - R}\] is polar.

Answer 1

\[\ce{O = C =O}\] molecule is linear so that the polarities of two C – O bonds get cancelled and the molecule is linear.

Ethers have structures similar to water and have angular or bent structure. Therefore, the polarity of two R – O groups does not get cancelled and these have net dipole moment. Thus, \[\ce{R - O - R}\] is polar.