London dispersion forces (LDF, also known as dispersion forces, London forces, 

instantaneous dipole–
induced dipole forces, Fluctuating Induced Dipole Bonds or loosely as van der Waals forces)

The force gets its name because Fritz London first explained how noble gas atoms could be attracted to
each other in 1930.

- London dispersion force is a weak intermolecular force between two atoms or molecules in close
proximity to each other.

- London forces are the attractive forces that cause nonpolar substances to condense to liquids and to
freeze into solids when the temperature is lowered sufficiently.

- It occurs between all atoms and molecules, regardless of whether they are polar or nonpolar

- It’s the weakest among all the intermolecular forces but it is usually more dominant

TO SUMMARIZE

Dispersion force occur between any adjacent pair of atoms or molecules when they are present in
sufficiently close proximity. These interactions account for the attractive forces between nonionic and
nonpolar organic molecules, such as paraffin and many pharmaceutical drugs

How does LDF Form/Develop?

Uneven electrons are the one who can develop dispersion force as the electrons are distributed
unevenly, they create a “temporary dipole”. Those are going to be a molecule that has a charge (positive
and negative charge).

Another example of London dispersion forces: one helium atom causing a dipole to be created on a
nearby helium atom.

Where can we find London Forces?

These London dispersion forces are often found in the halogens, the noble gases, and in other non-
polar molecules, such as carbon dioxide and methane. London dispersion forces are part of the van der
Waals forces, or weak intermolecular attractions.

 What kind of molecule possesses Dispersion Forces?

Dispersion forces are present between all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar.

Factors!

- Dispersion forces are stronger for larger and heavier atoms and molecules than for smaller
and lighter ones

- The larger the atom/molecule/surface area the higher the boiling point, the smaller the
atom/molecule/surface area the lower the boiling point

- Lesser electrons = weak LDF, More electrons = strong LDF

DISPERSION FORCE IS STRONGER AS WE INCREASE THE:

• CONTACT AREA OF A MOLECULE

• POLARIZABILITY (BASED ON MOLECULE SIZE)

• AMOUNT OF ELECTRONS PRESENT