What type of molecules are characterized by having dipoles?

Polar molecules are characterized by having dipoles due to the uneven distribution of charge within the molecule. This asymmetry arises when the atoms involved have different electronegativities, causing one end of the molecule to have a partial positive charge and the other end to have a partial negative charge. The resulting dipole moment reflects this separation of charge and influences how polar molecules interact with other substances, especially in the context of solubility in water and other polar solvents.

In contrast, nonpolar molecules do not have significant dipoles, as their electron distribution is relatively even. Ionized molecules are charged and may not always exhibit dipoles in the same way as polar molecules; they typically exist as charged entities in solution rather than as polar covalent compounds. Hydrophobic molecules are often nonpolar or have very low polarity, further lacking a dipole. Understanding the presence of dipoles in polar molecules is crucial for grasping concepts related to molecular interactions, solubility, and chemical reactivity.