Which of the following represents a non-electrolyte? 
a) (CH₃)₂NH₂                             b) NaOH                       c) HIO₃                         d) C₂H₅OH                    e) CsNH₂

• A. (CH₃)₂NH₂
• B. NaOH
• C. HIO₃
• D. C₂H₅OH
• E. CsNH₂

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electrolytes and non-electrolytes: Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water to produce a solution that conducts electricity. Non-electrolytes do not produce ions in solution and therefore do not conduct electricity.
2. Identify the chemical nature of each compound: a) (CH3)2NH2 is an amine, b) NaOH is a strong base, c) HIO3 is an acid, d) C2H5OH is an alcohol, e) CsNH2 is an amide.
3. Determine the ionization behavior in water: NaOH dissociates completely into Na+ and OH- ions, making it an electrolyte. HIO3, being an acid, also ionizes in water, making it an electrolyte.
4. Consider the molecular structure of C2H5OH (ethanol): Ethanol is a covalent compound that does not ionize in water. It dissolves but does not produce ions, classifying it as a non-electrolyte.
5. Conclude that C2H5OH is the non-electrolyte among the given options, as it does not produce ions in solution and therefore does not conduct electricity.