Question

based on the molecular structures provided, which substance is likely to have the strongest intermolecular forces? water isopropyl alcohol acetone glycerol

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze intermolecular forces

Hydrogen bonding is a strong intermolecular force. The more -OH groups (sites for hydrogen bonding), the stronger the intermolecular forces.

Step2: Count -OH groups

• Water (\(H_2O\)) has one -OH equivalent (in terms of hydrogen - bonding sites).
• Isopropyl alcohol (\(C_3H_8O\)) has one -OH group.
• Acetone (\(C_3H_6O\)) has no -OH groups (it has a carbonyl group \(C = O\), which can participate in weaker dipole - dipole interactions compared to hydrogen bonding).
• Glycerol (\(C_3H_8O_3\)) has three -OH groups.

Since glycerol has the most -OH groups among the given substances, it can form the most hydrogen bonds.

Answer:

Glycerol