Which type of intermolecular force is most commonly associated with compounds that have the lowest melting points?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that melting point is influenced by the strength of intermolecular forces: stronger forces generally lead to higher melting points.
2. Review the types of intermolecular forces: hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
3. Recognize that ionic bonding is not an intermolecular force but a strong ionic bond within a lattice, usually resulting in very high melting points.
4. Compare the relative strengths of intermolecular forces: hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions are stronger than London dispersion forces.
5. Conclude that compounds with the lowest melting points typically have only London dispersion forces, which are the weakest type of intermolecular force.