Bond Polarity of CO2
Definition
Carbon dioxide is a nonpolar molecule overall, yet its individual carbon to oxygen bonds are highly polar, leaving the carbon atom electron poor.
The polar bonds make the central carbon a prime target for a lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom of a water molecule. This electronic mismatch is what allows water to attack CO2 and form carbonic acid. It explains at the molecular level why dissolved CO2 reacts rather than simply floating in solution.
Related concepts
Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry