Lone Pairs & Polarity

[Labiba Sardar 2A]

Except for a molecule that has the VSEPR formula AX2E3 (linear shape), would all molecules with lone pairs be polar?

[Jessica Castellanos]

No, as long as the structure is still symmetrical the structure can have lone pairs.

[jisulee1C]

Polarity depends on the molecule. If the molecule has a symmetric shape and the dipoles cancel out then even molecules with lone pairs can be non polar. For example, another example of a non polar shape is square planar with four bonded atoms and two lone pairs of electron. But even symmetric shapes can be polar if the dipoles don't cancel out.

[Pablo 1K]

Simply depends on the atoms in the molecule, play around with it to see if it does.