Question

The polar regions of benzoic acid interacts with solvent molecules with what types of intermolecular forces?

a) hydrogen bonding
b) dipole-dipole
c) dipole-induced dipole
d) induced dipole-induced dipole (London dispersion)

Answer 1

Benzoic acid interacts with solvent molecules mainly through hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions, due to its carboxyl group that facilitates these strong intermolecular forces.

Step-by-step explanation:

The polar regions of benzoic acid interact with solvent molecules primarily through hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions. This is because the molecule contains a carboxyl group with an O-H bond that is capable of forming hydrogen bonds with polar solvents like water. Additionally, the carboxyl group has a polar carbon-oxygen double bond that can engage in dipole-dipole interactions. Both of these intermolecular forces are significantly stronger than London dispersion forces and account for the higher boiling points and solubility of carboxylic acids, such as benzoic acid, in polar solvents compared to nonpolar compounds of similar molecular mass.