← Structure & bonding

Polarity & intermolecular forces

Follow the chain from bond polarity to boiling point

Decide where electron density sits, use molecular shape to see whether dipoles cancel, then identify the intermolecular forces that control physical properties.

BoardAQA
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LanguageLondon forces
London forcesPresent between all atoms and molecules. Strength generally increases with electron-cloud polarisability.
Permanent dipolesRequire a polar molecule, not merely a molecule containing one polar bond.
Hydrogen bondingFor the donor, H must be bonded directly to N, O or F; a neighbouring suitable lone pair acts as acceptor.