Question

POLARITY OF WATER DISINFECTANTS

Here is a thought-provoking exercise, which has an important practical application, to explore a bit further some of the skills from Chapters 6 and 7. In particular, you will need to think about the Lewis structure and shape of each molecule below (Ch 6), determine whether it is polar or nonpolar (Ch 6), and then draw conclusions about the type and strength of intermolecular attractions that each will have with water molecules (Ch 7).

For each of the molecular substances listed below:

A. bromine Br2

B. chloramine ClNH2

C. ozone O3

D. carbon dioxide CO2

E. chlorine Cl2

1. Indicate whether each molecule above would be polar or nonpolar. Clearly explain your reasoning

2. Rank the substances from lowest to highest expected solubility in water. Clearly explain your choices.

3. Note that all of these substances except CO2 are common water disinfectants. Explain how the polarity water solubility of these molecules is important when discussing the issue of residual protection against bacterial growth in water supply systems.