Question

Why ethers possess a small net dipole moment?

Answer 1

Since \[\begin{array}{cc}
|\phantom{.........}|\\
\ce{- C - O - C -}\\
|\phantom{.........}|
\end{array}\]bond angle is 110° and not 180°, the bond dipole moments of the two C - O bonds do not cancel each other; therefore ethers possess a small net dipole moment.