Nonpolar - Definition and Overview

In chemistry, a nonpolar compound is one that does not have concentrations of positive or negative electric charge. Nonpolar compounds, such as oil, are not soluble in water. Some non-polar compounds have polar bonds, which is cancelled out by the way the atoms are arranged. E.g. linear and tetrahedral shapes are most likely to result in a dipole cancel.

See also: hydrophobic, polar molecule.