Question

Why is BrCl5 nonpolar when it's Asymmetrical? Aren't symmetrical molecules suppposed to be polar?

Answer 1

Although there exists a dipole moment in the molecule, I guess its nonpolar because the dipole is very small as the electronegativity difference between the Br and Cl is very low and so it can be neglected.

Answer 2

Answer:

BrCl₅ is an asymmetrical molecule because it has one lone pair and five atoms bonded to the central atom. Due to low difference of electronegativities, BrCl₅ is a nonpolar molecule.

Explanation:

According to the Linus Pauling scale, the difference between their electronegativities Δx can be determined if the link will be:

• polar: 0 ≤ Δx ≤ 0.4

• nonpolar: 0.5 ≤ Δx ≤ 1.6

• ionic: 1.7 ≤ Δx ≤ 2.0

Br-Cl bonds are nonpolar because the difference between their electronegativities is:

Br: 2.96

Cl: 3.16

Δx= 3.16 - 2.96 = 0.2

BrCl₅ has nonpolar bonds.