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Nonelectrolytes are substances that do not conduct electricity in their molten state or when they are dissolved in a solvent. These substances are poor conductors of electricity as they don’t readily dissociate into ions when dissolved. Sugar is an important example of nonelectrolytes. Now, let us understand more about this curious property of sugar, its examples, and the difference between Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes.
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Key Terms: Nonelectrolytes, Nonpolar gases, Valence Electrons, Ethanol, Negative charges, Electrolytes, Electricity, Electrons, Ions, Solvent, Anions, Cations
What are nonelectrolytes?
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Compounds that do not disintegrate into anions and cations in a solution are called Nonelectrolytes. They do not have precise ionic forms that they can exist in when dissolved in a solution. These compounds are formed as a result of electron pairing between their elements; they are covalently bonded. To conduct electricity, valence electrons that can travel freely in the solution must be present. Hence, due to their inability to form ions, nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity. Consequently, the nonelectrolytes are used as insulators. In opposition to nonelectrolytes, electrolytes conduct electricity and dissociate into ions in a solvent.
Sugar, an important ingredient in any kitchen pantry, is a nonelectrolyte. It is made of different elements, connected in a complex manner. When you dissolve sugar in water, the sugar solution will not conduct electricity.
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Examples of nonelectrolytes
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- The most common example of a nonelectrolyte is glucose (C6H12O6). Glucose when dissolving in a solution retains its molecular structure. It does not split into ions. Glucose water does not conduct electricity.
C6H12O6(s) + H2O(l) → C6H12O6(aq)
- Another example of a nonelectrolyte is ethanol. Ethanol, when dissolved in the solvent water, does not release ions. Water and ethanol are miscible liquids, and they can be mixed freely without limits.
C2H5OH(l) + H2O(l) → C2H5OH(aq)
- Other examples of non-electrolytes are nonpolar gases, nonpolar organic compounds, nonpolar liquified gases, and mineral solid solutions. Nonpolar materials do not have opposite positive and negative charges.
Difference between electrolyte and nonelectrolyte
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Electrolytes and nonelectrolytes are inherently different. They are quite the opposite of one another; they differ greatly in their chemical properties. The differences between electrolytes and nonelectrolytes are as follows:
| Nonelectrolytes | Electrolytes |
|---|---|
| Nonelectrolytes are formed by covalent bonds between their components. Covalent bonds are the result of the sharing of electron pairs. | Electrolytes are formed by ionic bonds between their components. Ionic bonds are formed as a result of electron transfer. |
| Nonelectrolytes do not disintegrate in a solution. They retain their molecular structure. | Electrolytes disintegrate in a polar solution. They dissociate into cations and anions in a solution. |
| Nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity because they don't have electrons that can move freely in the solution. They are insulators. | Electrolytes conduct electricity because they have electrons that can travel freely in the aqueous solution. They are conductors. |
| Nonelectrolytes are divided into water-soluble nonelectrolytes and water-insoluble nonelectrolytes. This classification is based on its solubility. | Electrolytes are divided into weak electrolytes and strong electrolytes. This classification is based on their ability to ionize efficiently. |
| Nonelectrolytes are usually Nonpolar compounds. | Electrolytes are usually polar compounds. |
| Nonelectrolytes are carbon-containing compounds, fats, and sugars. | Electrolytes are acids, bases, and salts. |
| An example of a nonelectrolyte solution is sugar water. | Saltwater is an example of an electrolytic solution. |
Things to Remember
- Nonelectrolytes are substances that do not disintegrate into ions in a solution.
- They do not conduct electricity due to a lack of free electrons.
- They are covalently bonded.
- Sugar, an important ingredient in any kitchen pantry, is a nonelectrolyte.
- Ethanol is also a common example of nonelectrolytes.
- Nonelectrolytes are included in the Class 12th Electrochemistry chapter. Learn more about electrochemistry.
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Sample Questions
Ques. Are nonelectrolytes the compounds formed through ionic bonds? (2 marks)
Ans. No, nonelectrolytes are compounds formed through covalent bonds; they share electron pairs to form such bonds. They are compounds that do not disintegrate in polar solvents. They retain their molecular structure. For example, glucose is a nonelectrolyte and does not disintegrate in a solvent.
C6H12O6(s) + H2O(l) → C6H12O6(aq)
Ques. Do nonelectrolytes conduct electricity? (2 marks)
Ans. Nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity because they do not have free electrons that can move about inside the solvent to conduct electricity. For example, a sugar solution doesn't conduct electricity, on the contrary, a salt solution which is an electrolyte conducts electricity well.
Ques. State an example of an electrolyte and a nonelectrolyte. (2 marks)
Ans. Electrolyte: Saltwater
Nonelectrolyte: Sugar Solution
Ques. State three differences between electrolytes and nonelectrolytes. (3 marks)
Ans. The difference between electrolytes and nonelectrolytes are as follows:
- Nonelectrolytes are formed by covalent bonds while electrolytes are formed by ionic bonds.
- Nonelectrolytes do not dissociate in a solution while electrolytes dissociate into anions and cations in a solution.
- Nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity while electrolytes conduct electricity when dissolved in a solution.
Ques. Is ammonia a nonelectrolyte? (3 marks)
Ans. Ammonia is not a nonelectrolyte. It is rather a weak electrolyte. Weak electrolytes are substances that disintegrate partially into ions in a solvent. Ammonia is a weak electrolyte as it forms NH+4 ions and OH-, but the rate of formation is very low, and this makes ammonia a weak electrolyte.
NH3 + H2O → NH+4 + OH-
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