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  • Polarity Comparison: Isopropyl Alcohol vs. Pentane - Understanding Molecular Polarity
    Isopropyl alcohol is more polar than pentane.

    Polarity is a measure of the uneven distribution of electrons within a molecule, resulting in a positive and negative end.

    Pentane (C5H12) is a nonpolar molecule because it consists only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, which have similar electronegativity. The molecule is symmetrical and the electron distribution is relatively even.

    Isopropyl alcohol (CH3CHOHCH3) is a polar molecule due to the presence of an oxygen atom which is more electronegative than carbon and hydrogen. This creates a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atom attached to it. The resulting dipole moment makes isopropyl alcohol polar.

    In summary:

    * Pentane: Nonpolar

    * Isopropyl alcohol: Polar

    Therefore, isopropyl alcohol is more polar than pentane.

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