Nonelectrolytes

Definition

Nonelectrolytes are substances that, when dissolved in water, do not dissociate into ions and therefore do not conduct electricity. Typically, these are covalent compounds such as sugars and alcohols.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nonelectrolytes do not produce ions when dissolved in water.
2. They do not conduct electrical current in aqueous solution.
3. Common examples include glucose (C6H12O6) and ethanol (C2H5OH).
4. Nonelectrolytes typically dissolve as molecules rather than ions.
5. Their behavior contrasts with electrolytes, which dissociate into ions.

Review Questions

• What is the main reason nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity?
• Give two common examples of nonelectrolytes.
• How does the dissolution of nonelectrolytes differ from that of electrolytes?

Related terms

Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in water, thereby conducting electricity.

Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Covalent Compound: A chemical compound formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.