Overview of Intermolecular Forces
- Intermolecular forces are forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring molecules.
- They are weaker than intramolecular forces (such as covalent or ionic bonds).
- These forces determine physical properties like boiling points, melting points, and solubility.
- The three main types of intermolecular forces are dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and hydrogen bonding.
- Van der Waals forces include dipole-dipole interactions and dispersion forces.
Dipole-Dipole Interactions
- Dipole-dipole interactions occur between molecules that have a permanent dipole.
- A permanent dipole arises when there is a significant difference in electronegativity between bonded atoms.
- The partial positive end of one molecule is attracted to the partial negative end of another.
- These interactions are stronger than London dispersion forces but weaker than hydrogen bonds.
- Molecules like HCl and CH₃Cl exhibit dipole-dipole interactions.
- They are effective over short distances.
- The strength of dipole-dipole forces increases with the magnitude of the dipole moment.
London Dispersion Forces
- London dispersion forces, also known as induced dipole forces, exist in all molecules, whether polar or nonpolar.
- These forces arise due to temporary dipoles created by electron movement.
- The strength of London forces depends on the polarizability of the molecule.
- Larger molecules with more electrons exhibit stronger dispersion forces.
- Dispersion forces are the only type of intermolecular force present in nonpolar molecules, such as CH₄ and O₂.
- They are weaker than dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonds.
- These forces increase with molecular size and are responsible for the higher boiling points of larger molecules.
Hydrogen Bonding
- Hydrogen bonding is a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction.
- It occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like F, O, or N.
- The partial positive charge on hydrogen is attracted to the partial negative charge on the electronegative atom of another molecule.
- Examples include H₂O, NH₃, and HF.
- Hydrogen bonding significantly increases the boiling point and melting point of substances.
- It plays a crucial role in the structure of biological molecules like DNA and proteins.
- There are two types: intermolecular hydrogen bonding (between molecules) and intramolecular hydrogen bonding (within a molecule).
- Hydrogen bonds are stronger than dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces but weaker than covalent bonds.
Comparison of Intermolecular Forces
- Dipole-dipole interactions occur in polar molecules, while dispersion forces are universal.
- Hydrogen bonding is a special case of dipole-dipole interaction with a significant increase in strength.
- The relative strength of these forces is: Hydrogen bonds > Dipole-dipole > London dispersion forces.
- Nonpolar substances rely solely on dispersion forces, leading to lower boiling points.
- Polar substances have higher boiling points due to dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding.
Key Points
- Dipole-dipole interactions require polar molecules with a permanent dipole.
- London dispersion forces are present in all molecules, regardless of polarity.
- Hydrogen bonding is strongest in molecules with H-F, H-O, or H-N bonds.
- Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the high boiling point of water.
- Dispersion forces increase with the molecular size and number of electrons.
- DNA structure relies on hydrogen bonding between base pairs.
- Intermolecular forces influence solubility, with polar molecules dissolving in polar solvents.
- Substances with stronger intermolecular forces have higher boiling and melting points.
- Understand examples of each type for exams: HCl (dipole-dipole), CH₄ (dispersion), and H₂O (hydrogen bonding).
- Van der Waals forces include both dipole-dipole and London dispersion forces.