Which type of intermolecular force is primarily responsible for the attraction between molecules of HCl?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of molecule HCl is: HCl is a polar molecule because chlorine is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a permanent dipole moment.
2. Recall the main types of intermolecular forces: London dispersion forces (present in all molecules), dipole-dipole interactions (between polar molecules), hydrogen bonding (special dipole-dipole involving H bonded to N, O, or F), and ionic bonding (between ions).
3. Since HCl is polar but does not have hydrogen bonded to N, O, or F, hydrogen bonding is not possible.
4. Ionic bonding is not relevant here because HCl molecules are neutral covalent molecules, not ions.
5. Therefore, the primary intermolecular force responsible for attraction between HCl molecules is dipole-dipole interactions, which occur between the positive end of one molecule and the negative end of another.