Nonpolar compounds are molecules that do not have distinct positive or negative ends, meaning they do not have a significant charge separation. This occurs when the electrons in the molecule are shared equally between the atoms, often seen in molecules made up of the same type of atoms, like oxygen (O₂) or nitrogen (N₂). Nonpolar compounds tend to be hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix well with water. These compounds are important in various chemical processes and applications. For example, lipids, which are nonpolar, play a crucial role in cell membranes and energy storage. Additionally, nonpolar solvents, such as hexane, are used in laboratories to dissolve nonpolar substances, making them essential in organic chemistry.