Textbook Question
Determine the kinds of intermolecular forces that are present in each element or compound. a. HCl b. H2O c. Br2
Ch.11 - Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Chapter 11, Problem 38c
Determine the kinds of intermolecular forces that are present in each element or compound. c. CH3OH
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Identify the molecular structure of CH$_3$OH, which is methanol, consisting of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a methyl group (CH$_3$).
Recognize that methanol is a polar molecule due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, which creates a dipole moment.
Determine that hydrogen bonding is present because the hydroxyl group (-OH) allows for hydrogen bonds to form between the hydrogen atom of one methanol molecule and the oxygen atom of another.
Identify dipole-dipole interactions as another type of intermolecular force present due to the polar nature of the methanol molecule.
Acknowledge that London dispersion forces (also known as van der Waals forces) are present in all molecules, including methanol, due to temporary dipoles that occur as electrons move around the nucleus.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular forces are the attractive forces between molecules that influence physical properties such as boiling and melting points. These forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in different states and conditions.
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Hydrogen Bonding
Hydrogen bonding is a specific type of strong dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. In the case of CH₃OH (methanol), the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group allows for significant hydrogen bonding, which greatly affects its physical properties, such as its relatively high boiling point.
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Polarity
Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. A polar molecule has a significant difference in electronegativity between its atoms, leading to a dipole moment. In CH₃OH, the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the carbon and hydrogen atoms, creating a polar molecule that can engage in hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions.
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In each pair of compounds, pick the one with the higher boiling point. Explain your reasoning. a. CH3OH or CH3SH b. CH3OCH3 or CH3CH2OH