Which of the following is NOT considered an intermolecular force?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of intermolecular forces. These are forces that occur between molecules, influencing properties like boiling point and solubility.
2. Step 2: Review each option to determine if it is an intermolecular force: London dispersion forces are weak forces due to temporary dipoles between molecules.
3. Step 3: Dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules where positive and negative ends attract each other, so they are intermolecular forces.
4. Step 4: Hydrogen bonding is a special, strong type of dipole-dipole interaction involving hydrogen bonded to highly electronegative atoms (N, O, or F), so it is also an intermolecular force.
5. Step 5: Ionic bonding, however, is the electrostatic attraction between ions in a lattice (such as in salts), which is an intramolecular force within a compound, not an intermolecular force.