Question

What type of intermolecular forces does ammonium lauryl sulfate have?

Answer 1

Ammonium lauryl sulfate exhibits several intermolecular forces including London Dispersion forces, ionic bonds, and dipole-dipole interactions, arising from its molecular structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ammonium lauryl sulfate has multiple types of intermolecular forces. This compound has a long, nonpolar hydrocarbon chain as part of the lauryl group, which interacts through London Dispersion forces. These are relatively weak van der Waals forces exerted by nonpolar molecules. Additionally, the ammonium part can form strong ionic bonds with the sulfate since it's a quaternary ammonium cation, leading to significant electrostatic interactions between positively and negatively charged ions. The sulfate end of the molecule may also contribute to dipole-dipole interactions due to its polarity.

Answer 2

Ammonium lauryl sulfate, like any other surfactant, makes a good base for cleansers because of the way it disrupts the hydrogen bonding in water. Hydrogen bonding is the primary contributor to the high surface tension of water. In hydrogen bonding with the water surrounding them.