Polar Covalent Bonds

H₂O is a polar covalent molecule. The Bonds between the H atoms and the O atom arise from sharing electrons. These shared electrons form to satisfy the octet rule. However, Oxygen is a “selfish” sharer. This electronegative aspect of Oxygen means that the electrons of the H₂O molecule preferentially associate near the Oxygen atom, creating partial charges. We indicate this by placing a δ- near the O and δ+‘s near the H atoms. These partial charges make the H₂O polar. Because of this polarity, H₂O molecules arrange in a highly structured way.

These weak associations that arise from the polar:polar attractions are referred to as Hydrogen Bonds (H-bonds). While independently weak, the summation of all the H-bonds are very strong. These associations give rise to the special properties of water: surface tension, cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat capacity.

Polar materials mix with polar materials. Things that can dissolve in water are also polar and referred to as being hydrophilic (hydro– water, philic– liking). Non-polar substances do not interact or mix with polar solvents and are referred to as hydrophobic (hydro– water, phobic– hating). Since carbon and hydrogen share electrons equally, organic compounds are non-polar. Oil is a hydrocarbon that does not mix well with water or vinegar. Vinegar, however is a polar compound that interacts with water.  Detergents are called amphiphilic (amphi– both; philic– liking) because they have portions that are non-polar and portions that are very polar. Detergents can therefore dissolve in hydrocarbons and water. Water alone cannot effectively remove oil from your skin, but a detergent can dissolve the oil and carry it away in water.

Surface Tension

Surface tension presents as an invisible film that encompasses the surface of water. The attractive forces arising from the intermolecular cohesion holds the surface of water together.