Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321768418
ISBN 13: 978-0-32176-841-4

Chapter 2 - Structure and Properties of Organic Molecules - Study Problems - Page 85: 2-36

Answer

This can be explained by the shapes of the $CO_2$ and $SO_2$ molecules.

Work Step by Step

Carbon dioxide molecules are linear in shape, because of the presence of symmetrical lone pairs on the central C atom. Therefore, the dipole moments between the C-O bonds cancel each other, giving a net zero dipole moment. However, Sulphur dioxide molecules are bent in shape, so the S-O bond dipole moments donot cancel each other.
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