Which types of intermolecular forces are present between molecules of CS_2 (carbon disulfide)?

• A. Hydrogen bonding only
• B. London dispersion forces and hydrogen bonding
• C. London dispersion forces only
• D. London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole forces

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular structure of CS_2 (carbon disulfide). It is a linear molecule with the central carbon atom bonded to two sulfur atoms.
2. Determine the polarity of the molecule by considering the electronegativity difference between carbon and sulfur and the molecular geometry. Since CS_2 is linear and the bonds are between atoms with similar electronegativities, the molecule is nonpolar overall.
3. Recall the types of intermolecular forces: hydrogen bonding occurs only when hydrogen is directly bonded to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F; dipole-dipole forces occur between polar molecules; London dispersion forces (also called van der Waals forces) occur in all molecules but are the only forces in nonpolar molecules.
4. Since CS_2 is nonpolar and does not have hydrogen atoms bonded to N, O, or F, hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole forces are not present.
5. Conclude that the only intermolecular forces present between CS_2 molecules are London dispersion forces.