Intermolecular Forces

Introduction to
Intermolecular Forces

• Intermolecular forces are attractive

forces that exist between molecules.
• They are responsible for determining
the physical properties of substances,
such as boiling point and solubility.
• Examples of intermolecular forces
include London dispersion forces,
dipole-dipole forces, and hydrogen
bonding.
Difference Between Intermolecular
and Intramolecular Forces

• Intermolecular forces occur between

molecules, while intramolecular forces
occur within molecules.
• Intramolecular forces are stronger
than intermolecular forces.
• Intramolecular forces are responsible
for holding atoms together within a
molecule, while intermolecular forces
determine the interactions between
molecules.
London Dispersion Forces:
Definition and Examples

• London dispersion forces are the

weakest intermolecular forces.
• They occur due to temporary
fluctuations in electron distribution,
creating temporary dipoles.
• Examples of substances with London
dispersion forces include nonpolar
molecules, such as noble gases and
hydrocarbons.
True or False: London
Dispersion Forces

• London dispersion forces are the

strongest intermolecular forces.
True
False
Dipole-Dipole Forces:
Definition and Examples

• Dipole-dipole forces occur between

polar molecules.
• They result from the attraction
between the positive end of one
molecule and the negative end of
another molecule.
• Examples of substances with dipole-
dipole forces include polar molecules
like water (H2O) and ammonia (NH3).
Hydrogen Bonding:
Definition and Examples

• Hydrogen bonding is a special type of dipole-

dipole interaction.
• It occurs between a hydrogen atom bonded to
an electronegative atom (such as oxygen,
nitrogen, or fluorine) and another
electronegative atom in a different molecule.
• Examples of substances with hydrogen bonding
include water (H2O) and ammonia (NH3).
Multiple Choice: Hydrogen Bonding

• Which of the following is a requirement for hydrogen bonding?

• A. A hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom
• B. A hydrogen atom bonded to a nitrogen atom
• C. A hydrogen atom bonded to a carbon atom
• D. A hydrogen atom bonded to a sulfur atom
Factors Influencing the Strength of
Intermolecular Forces: Molecular
Size

• The strength of intermolecular forces increases

with increasing molecular size.
• Larger molecules have more electrons,
resulting in stronger London dispersion forces.
• This leads to higher boiling points and greater
overall intermolecular forces.
Factors Influencing the Strength of
Intermolecular Forces: Molecular
Shape

• The shape of a molecule also affects

the strength of intermolecular forces.
• Branched molecules have a lower
surface area for contact, resulting in
weaker forces than their linear
counterparts.
• This leads to lower boiling points and
weaker overall intermolecular forces.
Fun Facts: Molecular
Shape and Intermolecular
Forces

• The shape of a molecule can

determine its taste and smell.
• For example, the shape of a
molecule called carvone
determines whether it smells
like spearmint or caraway.
• Different shapes can lead to
different intermolecular
forces, resulting in different
properties and behaviors.
Factors Influencing the
Strength of Intermolecular
Forces: Molecular Polarity
• The polarity of a molecule affects the
strength of its intermolecular forces.
• Polar molecules have stronger
dipole-dipole forces compared to
nonpolar molecules.
• This leads to higher boiling points
and greater overall intermolecular
forces.
Applications of Intermolecular
Forces: Boiling Point and
Melting Point
• Intermolecular forces determine the
boiling point and melting point of
substances.
• Substances with stronger
intermolecular forces have higher
boiling points and melting points.
• For example, water (H2O) has high
boiling point and melting point due
to its strong hydrogen bonding.
Would You Rather: Boiling
Point and Melting Point

• Would you rather live in a place where the

boiling point of water is 100°C or 30°C?
A. 100°C
B. 30°C
Applications of Intermolecular
Forces: Solubility

• Intermolecular forces play a crucial

role in determining the solubility of
substances.
• Like dissolves like: polar solutes
dissolve in polar solvents, and
nonpolar solutes dissolve in nonpolar
solvents.
• For example, sugar (polar) dissolves in
water (polar), while oil (nonpolar)
dissolves in hexane (nonpolar).
Discussion Question: Intermolecular
Forces and Solubility

• How do intermolecular forces affect

the solubility of substances?
• Please share your thoughts and
examples.