Why is the solvent acetone more polar than diethyl ether?

Subject: Why is the solvent acetone more polar than diethyl ether?

Date: Thu Feb 17 17:20:51 2005
Posted by Kelly
Grade level: undergrad School: No school entered.
City: No city entered. State/Province: No state entered. Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 1108682451.Ch

Message:


I understand why the two molecules are polar, i.e. they have C-0 bonds and 
both atoms have different electronegativities...but is that it?  I know 
that acetone contains a polar carbonyl group while diethyl ether is just 
CH3CH20CH2CH3, could that be the difference?  

If so, could you explain to me why these single differences so specifically
impact how polar these solvents are?  

Thanks!

Re: Why is the solvent acetone more polar than diethyl ether?

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