Polar molecule

In chemistry, a polar molecule is one that has concentrations of positive or negative electric charge. Polar compounds are soluble only in other polar compounds.

Water

A commonly-used example of a polar compound is water (H₂O). The electrons of water's hydrogen atoms are strongly attracted to the oxygen atom, and are actually closer to oyxgen's nucleus than to the hydrogen nuclei; thus, water has a relatively strong negative charge in the middle, and a positive charge at the ends.

   O
 H   H    <--- a water molecule

See Also

See also: nonpolar, hydrophilic