Syllabus Question: 3F.4

[Miguel Hernandez LEC 3]

Currently reviewing for the final by going through some syllabus questions. My main question is what are some strategies involved in determining the intermolecular forces present in molecules. The question in the textbook is: For which of the following molecules will dipole–dipole interactions be important: (a) O2; (b) O3; (c) CO2; (d) SO2?. Thanks.

[Valeria Perez 3J]

For dipole-dipole interactions, drawing the Lewis structure and identifying potential partial charges on molecules could help you determine whether or not dipole-dipole interactions will occur. If the molecule is polar and has partial charges, or dipoles, then they will experience dipole-dipole interactions. One sure fire way to eliminate options is to identify the nonpolar molecules, because those only experience induced dipole-induced dipole interactions, aka London dispersion forces.