What type(s) of intermolecular forces are expected between NOCl molecules? ball &stickwireframespace-fillingstick-+labels Indicate with a Y (yes) or an N (no) which apply. dipole forces ___YN induced dipole forces ___YN hydrogen bonding ___YN
The Correct Answer and Explanation is
Question:
What types of intermolecular forces are expected between NOCl molecules?
| Intermolecular Force | Yes (Y) or No (N) |
|---|---|
| Dipole-dipole forces | Y |
| Induced dipole forces | Y |
| Hydrogen bonding | N |
Explanation:
Nitrosyl chloride (NOCl) is a polar molecule composed of nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and chlorine (Cl) atoms arranged linearly with some bending due to the molecular geometry. To understand the intermolecular forces involved, let’s consider the molecular structure and the nature of bonds:
- Dipole-dipole forces: Y
NOCl is a polar molecule because of the difference in electronegativities between N, O, and Cl atoms and the asymmetry in the molecule’s shape. Oxygen is highly electronegative and pulls electron density toward itself, creating a partial negative charge (δ−), while nitrogen and chlorine have partial positive charges (δ+). This permanent dipole means neighboring NOCl molecules experience dipole-dipole interactions, where the positive end of one molecule attracts the negative end of another. These dipole-dipole forces are stronger than induced dipole forces but weaker than hydrogen bonding. - Induced dipole (London dispersion) forces: Y
All molecules, whether polar or nonpolar, experience induced dipole or London dispersion forces. These arise from temporary fluctuations in electron density that induce temporary dipoles in neighboring molecules. Since NOCl has electrons, it will exhibit London dispersion forces in addition to its permanent dipole-dipole interactions. Although generally weaker than dipole-dipole forces, these forces are always present. - Hydrogen bonding: N
Hydrogen bonding requires a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms such as nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or fluorine (F), allowing a strong attraction to lone pairs on neighboring molecules. In NOCl, there are no hydrogen atoms bonded to N, O, or Cl, so hydrogen bonding does not occur between NOCl molecules.
Summary:
- NOCl molecules have permanent dipoles, so dipole-dipole forces occur.
- All molecules have induced dipole forces due to fluctuating electron clouds.
- NOCl lacks hydrogen directly bonded to N, O, or F; therefore, hydrogen bonding is absent.
Hence, the intermolecular forces in NOCl are dipole-dipole forces and induced dipole (London dispersion) forces only.
