What intermolecular forces are present between ethanol and methanol?
2 Answers
Van der Waals forces and Hydrogen Bonds
Explanation:
Van der Waals forces (as are present between all molecules)
Hydrogen bonds (due to the -OH groups on both ethanol and methanol).
With respect to the relative strengths of these interactions, hydrogen bonding is significantly stronger than Van der Waals forces and thus would have an influence in the chemistry of the molecules in solution together.
Well dispersion forces exist between all molecules....
Explanation:
But the dominant intermolecular that occurs between (i) molecules of methanol, and (ii) molecules of ethanol, is intermolecular hydrogen bonding, where an hydrogen atom is bound to a strongly electronegative atom such as oxygen. In the alcohols, this causes charge separation and polarity, i.e.
And so compare the normal boiling points of methane, and ethane,
