Polarity is determined by the difference in electronegativity between atoms in a molecule and the molecular geometry.
Ethyl acetate (CH3COOCH2CH3) has a polar carbonyl group (C=O) and an oxygen atom, which can form hydrogen bonds. However, it also has a nonpolar hydrocarbon chain, which reduces its overall polarity.
Toluene (C6H5CH3) is a nonpolar aromatic hydrocarbon. It has a delocalized electron cloud, which makes it relatively nonpolar.
Comparison of Polarity:
* Ethyl acetate: Polarity is intermediate due to the polar carbonyl group and nonpolar hydrocarbon chain.
* Toluene: Nonpolar due to the delocalized electron cloud in the benzene ring.
Conclusion:
Based on their molecular structures and properties, toluene is less polar than ethyl acetate. This is further supported by the fact that toluene has a lower dielectric constant (2.38) compared to ethyl acetate (6.02), indicating a lower degree of polarity.