Skip to main content
Ch.11 - Liquids and Intermolecular Forces
Chapter 11, Problem 3

a. Which of the molecules shown here can form dipole–dipole interactions with other molecules of the same type?
b. Which are capable of forming hydrogen bonds with other molecules of the same type? [Section 11.2]

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular structures of the given molecules and determine if they have polar bonds by checking the electronegativity differences between bonded atoms.
Assess the overall molecular polarity by considering the molecular geometry and the vector sum of the bond dipoles. Molecules with a net dipole moment can engage in dipole-dipole interactions.
For hydrogen bonding, check if the molecule contains hydrogen directly bonded to highly electronegative atoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine, which is a prerequisite for hydrogen bonding.
Evaluate the ability of these electronegative atoms to serve as hydrogen bond acceptors by checking if they have lone pairs of electrons, which can interact with hydrogen atoms of other molecules.
Summarize which molecules meet the criteria for dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding based on the analysis of their molecular structure and bonding.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Dipole-Dipole Interactions

Dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules, where the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another. These interactions arise due to the uneven distribution of electron density, leading to partial positive and negative charges. Molecules with permanent dipoles can engage in these interactions, which are generally stronger than London dispersion forces but weaker than hydrogen bonds.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:25
Dipole Moment

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding is a specific type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. This bond creates a significant dipole, allowing hydrogen to interact strongly with lone pairs of electrons on nearby electronegative atoms. Hydrogen bonds are crucial in determining the properties of substances like water and biological molecules such as DNA.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:22
Hydrogenation Reactions

Polarity of Molecules

The polarity of a molecule is determined by its shape and the electronegativity of its constituent atoms. A molecule is polar if it has a net dipole moment, meaning that the distribution of electron density is uneven, leading to distinct positive and negative regions. Understanding polarity is essential for predicting the types of intermolecular forces that can occur, including dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:38
Molecular Polarity