Question

What is the most important reason that caffeine (C8H10N4O2) has a lower melting point than copper (II) chloride (CuCl2)?

A. The intermolecular forces holding the caffeine molecules together are weaker than the ionic bonds in CuCl2.
B. The heavy caffeine molecules are more likely to fall apart than the lighter CuCl2 molecules.
C. The metallic bonds in copper chloride are stronger than the ionic bonds in caffeine.
D. Caffeine is a network solid and has a low melting point like other network solids.

Answer 1

Option-A " The intermolecular forces holding the caffeine molecules together are weaker than the ionic bonds in CuCl₂ ".

Step-by-step explanation:

There are two types of interactions among the atoms and molecules. One are known as intramolecular forces while the other are known as intermolecular forces.

Examples of Intramolecular forces are ionic bonds and covalent bonds e.t.c. while examples of intermolecular forces are hydrogen bond interactions, dipole-dipole interactions e.t.c.

Remember that intramolecular forces ar far more greater in strength than the intermolecular forces. Hence, in given statement the interactions between Caffeine molecules are intermolecular forces while, that between Cu and Cl ions in CuCl₂ are intramolecular forces.