Organic Chemistry: Intermolecular Forces

Organic Chemistry: Intermolecular ForcesIn Organic Chemistry, you will be learning about Intermolecular Forces. These are forces that occur between two similar molecules because of their molecular structure. The molecules are too large to come in contact with each other directly, but there are no such things as 'free' compounds in this context.Ionic bonds cause the separation of a molecule from another, so when you learn about Intermolecular Forces, you must first understand the laws of physics that govern chemical bonding. It is important to remember that every atom has a definite number of electrons. These electrons have a definite 'charge'. If two electrons of the same charge are close together, they will 'overlap' and cancel each other out.A common form of electron overlap is called a 'virtual overlap'. The virtual overlap is the occurrence of two electrons having the same charge, and are only separated by a small amount of energy. They are not actually touching. The virtual over lap occurs between the electrons of opposite charges. This happens because the electrons are all electrically neutral at zero potential.Solvents are molecules that dissolve into molecules of liquids, like water, and gases, like oxygen, and they have strong polar solubility properties which allow them to mix these two phases of matter. When a molecule is dissolved in water, it can get the two charged electrons that overlap, but it will just keep the outer electron instead of letting the two inner electrons get past.Because it has a positive charge, oxygen will keep the two overlapping electrons apart. Water molecules naturally come in different sizes, which also affects their surface areas. Therefore, if you need to find two molecules that are of similar size, you have two different overlapping virtual overlaps.In most cases, the virtual overlaps will occur in random positions or directions, but sometimes these virtual overlaps will get closer together. If two molecules are very clos e together, this will be the case.Your assignment will involve identifying which molecules have virtual overlaps. These are molecules that may overlap but not overlap as well as water. This means that both molecules will overlap. After you identify the molecules, you will be able to tell which types of compounds will have good stacking abilities.You may need help with identifying the virtual overlaps, but it will be worth it in the end, as you will gain much needed knowledge of these forces. The sooner you start to understand how Intermolecular Forces can affect chemical reactions, the sooner you will be able to apply it to help you with your chemistry assignments.