Problem 11.15

Describe the intermolecular forces that must be overcome to convert each of the following from a liquid or solid to a gas:

(a) I₂

Since this species is nonpolar, all we have is the dispersion force to overcome.

(b) CH₃CH₂OH

From the Lewis structure, we see that this species would have both dispersion forces and hydrogen bonding.

(c) H₂Se

From the Lewis structure (draw it!), we see that this species has a bent molecular geometry and two lone pairs; it is therefore polar. We would have to overcome disperion forces and dipole-dipole forces to boil this substance (but there would be no H-bonding present - why not?)