Based upon an analysis of intermolecular forces of attraction among the compounds listed below, which substance would be expected to have the highest boiling point?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compounds listed are all covalent compounds that experience intermolecular forces of attraction called London dispersion forces. The strength of these forces depends on the size of the molecules or atoms because the larger the size, the larger the electron cloud and the more likely it is to experience temporary dipoles that can induce dipoles in neighboring molecules or atoms. Among the given compounds, Iodine (I) is the largest atom and therefore will experience the strongest London dispersion forces. Stronger intermolecular forces will require more energy to break, and thus, Iodine will have the highest boiling point among the given compounds.

Based Upon an Analysis of Intermolecular Forces of Attraction Among