What intermolecular forces are present among molecules in dimethyl ether, CH₃OCH₃? A) London forces only B) hydrogen bonding only C) both London dispersion forces and hydrogen bonding D) both London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole forces

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dimethyl ether molecules have a dipole moment due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and carbon/hydrogen atoms. This results in dipole-dipole forces being present among the molecules. Additionally, London dispersion forces also exist as the molecules are nonpolar and have an electron cloud that can be distorted. Hence, the intermolecular forces present among dimethyl ether molecules are both London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole forces.

What Intermolecular Forces Are Present Among Molecules in Dimethyl Ether