[kissoftalons]

Identify the shape of HCN and characterize it as being polar or non-polar.

I know that HCN is straight (shape), but I'm not completely sure if its polar or non-polar. My guess is polar because the C-N has a has a higher electroneg. difference than the H-C part. Thus making it polar...but a previous worksheet with the same question has the answer non-polar written. Could someone confirm the answer?

[Blueshawk]

HCN should be polar.

H and C have different electronegativities. so there is a polar bond b/w H and C, with C more electronegative..

and the triple bond between C and N is polar too, with N more electronegative than C.

the overall polarity is    -|------>
                                  H-C---N
                 (partial + on H)      (partial - on N)

[kissoftalons]

That was what I thought too.  Thanks for the confirmation!

[Blueshawk]

NP