I.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why some substances boil easily while others require high heat? This happens because of
intermolecular forces of attraction (IMFA) — the forces that hold molecules together. These forces affect boiling
point, melting point, solubility, surface tension, and viscosity.
II. Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
Define intermolecular forces of attraction.
Differentiate the different types of IMFA.
Predict the IMFA present in a molecule.
Explain how IMFA affects physical properties.
III. Lesson Discussion
A. Definition of Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular forces are attractive forces that exist between molecules. They are weaker than ionic and covalent
bonds.
B. Types of Intermolecular Forces
1. Ion–Ion Interaction
Attraction between oppositely charged ions. Example: Na⁺ and Cl⁻. This is the strongest type and is found in ionic
compounds.
2. Ion–Dipole Interaction
Attraction between an ion and a polar molecule. Responsible for dissolving ionic compounds like salt in water.
3. Dipole–Dipole Interaction
Attraction between polar molecules due to partial positive (δ⁺) and partial negative (δ⁻) charges.
4. Hydrogen Bonding
A special type of dipole–dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is directly bonded to fluorine (F), oxygen
(O), or nitrogen (N). Responsible for the high boiling point of water.
5. London Dispersion Forces (LDF)
Weak forces caused by temporary dipoles. Present in all molecules and the only IMF in nonpolar molecules.
Strength increases with molar mass and polarizability.
IV. Sample Problems
Example 1: Determine the IMF present in CH₃OH.
Answer: Hydrogen bonding, dipole–dipole, and London dispersion forces.
Example 2: Determine the IMF present in H₂S.
Answer: Dipole–dipole and London dispersion forces.
Example 3: Arrange in increasing IMFA strength: Ethane, Ethanol, Ethylene glycol.
Answer: Ethane < Ethanol < Ethylene glycol.
V. Real-Life Applications
Salt dissolving in water – Ion–Dipole interaction.
High boiling point of water – Hydrogen bonding.
Ice floating on water – Hydrogen bonding.
LPG evaporates easily – Weak London dispersion forces.
DNA structure – Hydrogen bonding.
VI. Practice Exercises
Identify the IMF present in the following:
1. NH₃
2. CO₂
3. NaCl
4. HF
5. CH₄
VII. Answer Key
1. NH₃ – Hydrogen bonding, dipole–dipole, LDF
2. CO₂ – LDF only
3. NaCl – Ion–Ion
4. HF – Hydrogen bonding, dipole–dipole, LDF
5. CH₄ – LDF only
VIII. References
Brown, T. L., et al. Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson.
Ebbing, D., & Gammon, S. General Chemistry. Cengage Learning.
Petrucci, R. H. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Pearson.
Silberberg, M. S. Principles of General Chemistry. McGraw-Hill.
Chemistry 2
Module 1
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lesson 1: Intermolecular Forces of Attraction
I. Introduction
Fig.1 Boiling water
Have you ever wondered why some substances boil easily while others require
high heat?
For example :liquid Nitrogen when
Exposed to room Temperature
Immediately turns into Vapor.
The Kinetic molecular theory states that matter is composed of tiny particles
That carries energy , interacts with one another and are in constant random
Motion.
In this lesson, you will discuss the different types of intermolecular forces of
attraction and learn how to predict theintermolecular forces between specific
molecules.
II. Learning Objectives
• At the end of this module, you shoable to:
• Define intermolecular forces of attraction
• Differentiate the different types of IMFA.
• Predict the IMFA present in a molecule.
• Explain how IMFA affects physical properties.
III. Lesson Discussion
A. Definition of Intermolecular forces
Intermolecular forces are attractive forces present in
Between [Link] are weaker than ionic and covalent bonds.
B. Types of Intermolecular Forces
London Despersion Forces
Dipole-Dipole Forces
Ion- dipole forces
Hydrogen Bonding forces
1. Ion- Ion interaction
Ion-ion interaction is the interaction of two opposite charge.
Also known as Ionic Bonds and it’s interaction are between
electrically charge particle
example: Na⁺ and Cl⁻, This is the strongest type and is found in ionic compounds.
2. Ion -Dipole Interaction
This type of interaction is responsible for ton of most ionic solids
in the polar solvent. Responsible for dissolving ionic compounds like salt in
water.
3. Dipole- dipole interaction
Present in polar molecules which are described as Dipole
The dipole-Dipole force exist between the partially positive end one HCI molecule
and the partially negative of another HCI molecule
4. Hydrogen bonding
An attractive force that exists when hydrogen is bonded to most electronegative atoms like F,
O, or N
Many anusual properties of water attributed to hydrogen bonding. In water, the hydrogen of one molecule is
attracted to the oxygen Atom of another molecule. Hydrogen bonding can truly exhibited when one molecules has a
hydrogen Atom is directly bonded to Fluorine, Oxygen or nitrogen atom
5. London Despersion Force
The weakest type of IMFA and are present in between all electrically neutral molecules, a nonpolar
moleculehas an equal distribution of charges. But at any instant an instantaneous dipole may form, this
dipole may induce the formation of another dipole.
Induced Dipole