* Covalent Bonding: Pentane (C5H12) is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These atoms share electrons to form covalent bonds.

* Electronegativity: Carbon and hydrogen have very similar electronegativities (the ability of an atom to attract electrons). This means the electrons in the C-H bonds are shared almost equally, creating nonpolar covalent bonds.

* Molecular Shape: Pentane has a symmetrical structure. The nonpolar C-H bonds are arranged in a way that cancels out any potential dipoles, making the entire molecule nonpolar.

Key takeaway: Nonpolar covalent molecules have no overall charge separation and do not readily dissolve in water.