Chapter 3, Problem 3H.2E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Forces that hold compounds of chloromethane $\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{Cl}\right)$ and acetic acid $\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{COOH}\right)$ have to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Intermolecular forces are forces that are responsible for interaction between molecules. Such forces include both attractive as well as repulsive forces.

Types of intermolecular forces:

1. Ion-dipole forces: These forces come into play when ions interact with polar molecules. Ion gets attracted to oppositely charged end of polar molecule.

2. Dipole-dipole forces: These forces arise when there is interaction between oppositely charged ends of different dipoles.

3. London forces: These forces exist when there is interaction between nonpolar molecules. There occurs distortion in symmetry of electron clouds when two nonpolar molecules come closer to each other. Such forces exist in all molecules and therefore London forces are called universal.

4. Hydrogen bonding: This intermolecular force exists when hydrogen atoms are connected to highly electronegative elements like $\text{F}$, $\text{N}$ and $\text{O}$. It is the strongest intermolecular interaction.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether chloromethane $\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{Cl}\right)$ and acetic acid $\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{COOH}\right)$ has higher melting point has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).