Which of the following is the strongest type of intermolecular force of attraction between molecules?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules, and their strength varies depending on the type of interaction.
2. Recognize the types of intermolecular forces listed: London dispersion forces (weakest, present in all molecules), dipole-dipole interactions (between polar molecules), ion-dipole interactions (between ions and polar molecules), and hydrogen bonding (a special, strong type of dipole-dipole interaction).
3. Recall that hydrogen bonding occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine, creating a strong dipole and a significant attraction between molecules.
4. Compare the relative strengths: London dispersion forces < dipole-dipole interactions < hydrogen bonding < ion-dipole interactions, noting that ion-dipole can be stronger but only occurs in mixtures of ions and polar molecules.
5. Since the question asks for the strongest type of intermolecular force between molecules (not involving ions), hydrogen bonding is the strongest among the options given.