Question #e9eb6

1 Answer
Sep 19, 2017

Diborane is nonpolar because it is a symmetrical molecule.

Explanation:

The structure of diborane is

Diborane

Two of the H atoms act as bridges between the B atoms.

Theoretical calculations show that the partial charges on each atom are:

  • Bmmmmll=+2.12
  • Bridging H=ll-0.71
  • Terminal H=l-0.70

Thus, there are fairly large B-H bond dipoles.

However, the diborane molecule is perfectly symmetrical.

Every B-H bond dipole that points in one direction has a counterpart that points in exactly the opposite direction.

Thus, all bond dipoles cancel and diborane is a nonpolar molecule.