Q. 6.87 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify the strongest intermolecular forces between the particles of each of the following:
 a. $C{H}_{3}OH$
 b.$CO$ 
 c. $C{F}_4$
 d. $C{H}_{3}C{H}_3$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) The intermolecular forces is hydrogen bonding.

(b) The intermolecular forces is dipole-dipole attraction.

(c) The intermolecular forces is dispersion forces.

(d)The intermolecular forces is dispersion forces. 

Part(a) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

$C{H}_{3}OH$

We need to find the type of intermolecular forces between it's particles.

Part(a) Step2 : Simplify.

The type of intermolecular forces between it's particles is hydrogen bonding.

• It is type of strong dipole-dipole attraction.
• Happens between hydrogen and electronegative atom.

Part(b) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

$CO$

We need to find the type of intermolecular forces between it's particles.

Part(b) Step2 : Simplify.

The type of intermolecular forces between it's particles is dipole-dipole attraction.

• Happens between negative and positive end of polar molecule.
• It is planar molecule.
• It has triple covalent bond.

Part(c) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

$C{F}_4$

We need to find the type of intermolecular forces between it's particles.

Part(c) Step2 : Simplify.

The type of intermolecular forces between it's particles is dispersion forces.

• It has tetrahedral geometry
• Very stable due to carbon-fluoride bonds.

Part(d) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

$C{H}_{3}C{H}_3$

We need to find the type of intermolecular forces between it's particles.

Part(d) Step2 : Simplify.

The type of intermolecular forces between it's particles is dispersion forces.

• Both carbon has tetrahedral geometry.
• Weakest intermolecular force.