Science, Tech, Math › Science Nonelectrolyte Definition in Chemistry Print Sugar is an example of a nonelectrolyte, while salt is an example of an electrolyte. Howard Pugh (Marais) / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 03, 2019 A nonelectrolyte is a substance that does not exist in an ionic form in aqueous solution. Nonelectrolytes tend to be poor electrical conductors and don't readily dissociate into ions when melted or dissolved. Solutions of nonelectrolytes do not conduct electricity. Read More Chemistry Examples: Strong and Weak Electrolytes By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Examples of Nonelectrolytes Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is a nonelectrolyte because it does not ionize when dissolved in water. Sugar is another example of a nonelectrolyte. Sugar dissolves in water, yet retains its chemical identity. Telling Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes Apart Electrolytes tend to contain ionic bonds that break when the chemical interacts with water and other polar solvents. Electrolytes include salts and other polar molecules. Nonelectrolytes, in contrast, tend to contain covalent bonds and are typically nonpolar molecules. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Nonelectrolyte Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-nonelectrolyte-604573. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, February 16). Nonelectrolyte Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-nonelectrolyte-604573 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Nonelectrolyte Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-nonelectrolyte-604573 (accessed April 18, 2024). copy citation