Intermolecular forces

• There are 2 types of attraction in molecules:

intramolecular bonds & intermolecular forces

• We have already looked at intramolecular bonds

(ionic, covalent, polar covalent, metallic)

• Intermolecular forces (IMF) have to do with the

attraction between molecules (versus the attraction
between atoms in a molecule, metal, or compound)

• The three IMFs are: 1) H-bonding, 2) dipole -

dipole, and 3) London forces (in order of decreasing
strength)
 Dipole - Dipole attractions
• We have seen that molecules + –
can have a separation of charge
• This happens in both ionic and
polar bonds (the greater the ΔEN,
the greater the dipoles) H Cl
• Molecules are attracted to each other in a
compound by these positive and negative
forces
+ –
+ –
 Hydrogen - bonding
• H-bonding is a special type of dipole - dipole
attraction that is very strong

• It occurs when F, O, or N are bonded to H

• They are given a special name (H-bonding)

because compounds containing these forces
are important in biological systems
 London forces
• Non-polar molecules do not have dipoles like polar
molecules. How, then, can non-polar compounds
form solids or liquids?

• London forces (also called van der Waal forces) are due to
small dipoles that exist in non-polar molecules

• Because electrons are moving around in atoms there

will be instants when the charge around an atom is
not symmetrical

• The resulting tiny dipoles cause attractions between

atoms/molecules (the greater the mass, the greater the
London forces)
 Summary
• The bigger the IMF’s, the more energy it takes
to overcome them . . . . . . thus

– The bigger the IMF’s, the higher the melting and

boiling point

• Bonds are stronger than IMF’s, so the melting

and boiling points of covalent network solids
(i.e.. diamond), ionic compounds (i.e.. salts), and
metals (i.e.. iron) are much higher than
molecular substances (i.e.. water)
 IMF
1. Intramolecular are stronger.

2. A covalent bond is 100x stronger.

3. The molecules gather together as liquids or solids

at low temperatures.

4. London forces
– Are present in all compounds
– Can occur between atoms or molecules
– Are transient in nature (dipole-dipole are more
permanent).
– London forces are weaker
5. a) O2 would be lower because it is smaller in mass.
London attractions are smaller and consequently
lower melting/boiling points.

b) O2 because it has only London forces. NO has a

is polar, giving it small dipoles.

6. C8H18 would have the higher melting/boiling point.

This is a result of the stronger London forces

7. a large difference in electronegativity and the small

sizes of (FON) atoms.