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Is $\ce{SiO2}$ is a polar molecule or not? The difference in electronegativity between the two atoms is 1.7.

I read that $\ce{SiO2}$ doesn't exist as a single molecule in which the silicon atom is connected to four oxygen atoms. Can I consider it polar?

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$\ce{SiO2}$ doesn't exist as a molecule rather exists as network of $\ce{Si}$ and $\ce{O}$ bonds with $\ce{Si}$ bonded to four $\ce{O}$ atoms. $\ce{SiO2}$ simply denotes their ratio in the complete structure. $\ce{Si-O}$ bonds are very polar but there are four $\ce{Si-O}$ bonds which cancel the dipole, making the structure as a whole, non-polar.

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  • $\begingroup$ thanks a lot it's very now, one question if i may ask can attract or interaction happen with this molecule and other moleculue although SiO2 nonpolar. $\endgroup$
    – studentrr
    Commented Mar 18, 2016 at 9:22
  • $\begingroup$ Yes interactions can happen. Glass is made up of siO2 and we know glass and water are adhesive, as they form a concave meniscus. This is because of very weak bonds between the O atoms of sio2 and the H atoms of water. $\endgroup$
    – jatin
    Commented Mar 18, 2016 at 9:27
  • $\begingroup$ thanks for the info. i was searching for this kind of explanation, so can i consider a some kind of attraction even small one between SiO2 bonds and c=o bond ? $\endgroup$
    – studentrr
    Commented Mar 18, 2016 at 9:36
  • $\begingroup$ As c=o bond is polar, yes. $\endgroup$
    – jatin
    Commented Mar 18, 2016 at 10:15
  • $\begingroup$ so it can be interaction between c=o and sio2, thank u so much for the clear info. $\endgroup$
    – studentrr
    Commented Mar 18, 2016 at 10:30

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