Which is the strongest type of intermolecular force present in CH3OH (methanol)?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular structure of CH\_3OH (methanol). It consists of a methyl group (CH\_3) attached to a hydroxyl group (OH).
2. Recognize that the hydroxyl group contains an -OH bond, where oxygen is highly electronegative and hydrogen is bonded directly to oxygen, enabling hydrogen bonding.
3. Recall the hierarchy of intermolecular forces from weakest to strongest: London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ion-dipole interactions (which require ions).
4. Since CH\_3OH is a neutral molecule and contains an -OH group, it can form hydrogen bonds, which are stronger than dipole-dipole and London dispersion forces.
5. Conclude that the strongest intermolecular force present in methanol is hydrogen bonding, due to the presence of the highly polar O-H bond capable of hydrogen bonding.