Which intermolecular force would you not expect to occur in the absence of water?

• A. Hydrogen bonding
• B. Ionic bonding
• C. Dipole-dipole interactions
• D. London dispersion forces

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of intermolecular forces: Hydrogen bonding, Ionic bonding, Dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
2. Understand that hydrogen bonding specifically requires a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) and the presence of a lone pair on another electronegative atom.
3. Recognize that water is a common molecule that can participate in hydrogen bonding due to its O-H bonds and lone pairs on oxygen.
4. Consider the absence of water: without water or similar molecules, hydrogen bonding is less likely to occur because there are fewer opportunities for the necessary interactions.
5. Conclude that in the absence of water, hydrogen bonding is the intermolecular force you would not expect to occur, as it relies on specific conditions that water provides.