List the strongest intermolecular force found in ethylene glycol, hoch2ch2oh
a. hydrogen bonding
b. dipole-dipole
c. ion-dipole
d. london dispersion forces
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The strongest intermolecular force found in ethylene glycol (HOCH₂CH₂OH) is a. hydrogen bonding.
Explanation:
Ethylene glycol, with the chemical formula HOCH₂CH₂OH, is a small organic molecule that contains two hydroxyl (–OH) groups. The presence of these –OH groups is critical in determining the types of intermolecular forces that can exist in ethylene glycol. The hydroxyl groups contribute to the molecule’s ability to engage in hydrogen bonding, which is one of the strongest types of intermolecular forces.
Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen, and is attracted to another electronegative atom in a nearby molecule. In ethylene glycol, the hydrogen atoms in the –OH groups can form hydrogen bonds with the oxygen atoms of adjacent ethylene glycol molecules. This interaction leads to a significant increase in the boiling point and viscosity of the substance compared to molecules that do not engage in hydrogen bonding.
In addition to hydrogen bonding, ethylene glycol also exhibits dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces. Dipole-dipole interactions arise due to the polar nature of the molecule, where the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the carbon and hydrogen atoms, creating a dipole moment. However, these interactions are generally weaker than hydrogen bonds. London dispersion forces, which are temporary attractions that occur due to momentary fluctuations in electron density, are present in all molecules but are relatively weak compared to hydrogen bonds.
In summary, while ethylene glycol does experience dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces, the predominant and strongest intermolecular force present in this molecule is hydrogen bonding. This characteristic is crucial in explaining the physical properties of ethylene glycol, such as its high boiling point and high solubility in water, making it an effective antifreeze agent and solvent in various applications.