INTERMOLECULAR

FORCES
The Nature of Intermolecular Forces
• Intermolecular Forces – arise from the attraction between
molecules with partial charges, or between ions and
molecules.
• Relatively weak compared to bonding forces.
1. Hydrogen Bond
2. Dispersion (London) Forces
3. Dipole-Dipole
Hydrogen Bond
• An intermolecular hydrogen bond is the attraction
between the H atom of one molecule and a lone pair of
the N, O, or F atom of another molecule.
• The H atom should also be only bonded to N, O, or F.

F H O O H N N H O
Dipole – Dipole Forces
• The attractive force between the positive end of one polar
molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule.
Dispersion (London) Forces
• Also refered as instantaneous dipole – induced dipole forces.
• Induced dipole – a polarity created when the molecule is subjected to an
electric field.
• Instantaneous dipole – a polarity created when an ion (or electron cloud
of a molecule) comes close to another molecule, disturbing the balance of
electrons.
 Determining the Intermolecular Forces
INTERACTING PARTICLES
(atoms, molecules, ions)
ions present ions not present

ions only: polar molecules only:

nonpolar
IONIC BONDING DIPOLE-DIPOLE
molecules only:
FORCES
DISPERSION
H bonded to FORCES only
ions + polar N, O, or F
molecules: polar + nonpolar molecules:
ION-DIPOLE HYDROGEN DIPOLE-INDUCED DIPOLE
FORCES BONDING FORCES
DISPERSION FORCES ALSO PRESENT
Comparison of Bonding and Nonbonding (Intermolecular)
Forces
Comparison of Bonding and Nonbonding (Intermolecular)
Forces (continued)