IMF WORKSHEET

1. For each of the following molecules, identify the strongest type of intermolecular
force (London forces, permanent dipole- permanent dipole forces, hydrogen
bonding) they exhibit in the liquid state.

a HCl

b O2

c NH3

d CHCl3

e SiH4

f N2

g HF

h NBr3

2. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules that contain only carbon and hydrogen. The
difference in the electronegativities of these 2 elements is only slight, with the
result that hydrocarbons are relatively non-polar molecules. In terms of the
intermolecular forces present, explain why methane (CH4) is a gas at room
temperature (boiling point of -164⁰C) while octane (C8H18) is a liquid (boiling point of
126⁰C).
3. List the following bonds in order from weakest to strongest.
I Permanent dipole-dipole bonds between SO2 molecules
II Covalent bonds between carbon and hydrogen in CH4
III London forces between atoms of helium
IV Permanent hydrogen bonds between HF molecules
V Covalent bonds between nitrogen atoms in N2 molecules
VI London forces between molecules of carbon dioxide

4. On the basis of the intermolecular forces present, determine which molecule in each
of the following pairs has the higher boiling point. Explain your answer in each case.
a methanol (CH3OH) or ethanol (CH3CH2OH)

b chloromethane (CH3Cl) or dichloromethane (CH2Cl2)

c hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or water (H2O)

d hydrogen fluoride (HF) or hydrogen bromide (HBr)

e ammonia (NH3) or arsenine (AsH3)