Final answer:
When a compound is dissolved in hot ethanol during recrystallization, the intermolecular forces between the solute and solvent are changing on a molecular level. The process of solution formation involves the formation of new intermolecular forces between the solute and solvent molecules, allowing the compound to dissolve in the solvent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intermolecular forces are attractive or repulsive forces between molecules. They include London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding. These forces influence physical properties like boiling points and solubility in molecular substances. The intermolecular forces between the solute and solvent are changing on a molecular level when a compound is dissolved in hot ethanol during recrystallization.
When the compound is dissolved in the hot solvent, the solute-solvent interactions which is also known as solvatio then naturally takes place. In addition to this, these interactions involve the formation of new intermolecular forces between the solute and solvent molecules, which are nearly as strong as the intermolecular forces within the solute and solvent alone. This favorable solution formation process allows the compound to dissolve in the solvent.