3F.1 d

[Gabriella Bates 2L]

Identify the types of attractive intermolecular interactions that might arise between molecules of each of the following substances: (d) SO2.

The solutions manual said this molecule experiences London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole attraction. How does it have dipole-dipole attraction? Which way is the dipole pointing? Thanks.

[Yuri Lin 4H]

The dipole-dipole attraction comes from the shape of the SO2 molecule. It has a bent molecular structure (same shape as H2O), so the S has a lone pair and a partial positive charge whereas the oxygens have a partial negative charge. The uneven electron distribution means there's a permanent dipole, hence the dipole-dipole attraction.