Preferential interaction

[Laurie Ganih 5F]

Hi! In lecture, Professor Lavelle said that if a molecule has a preferential interaction with an ion, it is polar, but I'm not 100% sure what a preferential interaction is. Could someone please further explain?

[Alyssa Bercero 3H]

I'm pretty sure preferential interaction just means a favored interaction. So if it is favored, a molecule will bind to an ion, making it polar or vice versa.

[Bea Cruz]

Yes it refers to the selective attraction or interaction between specific molecules or types of molecules in a mixture and can be observed through solvation, adsorption, and complex formation. I hope this helps.