Perchloroethylene is a nonpolar molecule. Here's why:

* Structure: Perchloroethylene (C2Cl4) has a symmetrical structure with two carbon atoms bonded to two chlorine atoms each.

* Electronegativity: Chlorine is more electronegative than carbon, meaning it pulls electrons towards itself. However, the symmetrical structure results in the electron density being evenly distributed around the molecule.

* No net dipole moment: Because of the symmetrical structure and even distribution of electron density, there is no net dipole moment in the perchloroethylene molecule.

Nonpolar molecules are generally not soluble in polar solvents like water. Perchloroethylene is indeed insoluble in water and is used as a solvent for nonpolar substances.