Doc Brown's Advanced A level theoretical chemistry revision notes

8.2 INDEX and introduction to intermolecular attractive forces - intermolecular bonding – Van der Waals forces - types and explanation of their origin and effects on e.g. melting points, boiling points, solubility

[Author ©  Dr Phil Brown PhD: Doc Brown's Chemistry exam revision notes suitable for advanced A level chemistry students studying pre–university/college advanced level theoretical–physical chemistry courses:  introducing intermolecular bonding forces  [page updated May 2nd 2026 *]

8.2. INDEX for intermolecular bonding (intermolecular attractive forces) and examples explained

Sub-index for this page on intermolecular forces an intermolecular bonding

(1) Three introductory sections important to read (a) to (c) first (all on same page)

(a) Introduction to intermolecular forces – Van der Waals forces

(b) Dipole moments and the polarizability of a molecule

(c) Electronegativity, covalent bond character and polar molecules

Four types of intermolecular attractive force sections (2) to (4) are the most important

(2) Instantaneous dipole - induced dipole interactions (London forces or dispersive forces)

(3) Permanent dipole - permanent dipole interactions (Keesom forces/orientation forces)

(4) Hydrogen bonding intermolecular forces

(5) Permanent dipole - induced dipole interactions (Debye forces or induction forces)

(6) Comparing the relative intermolecular bonding contributions for 8 organic molecule of similar size and numbers of electrons

See also

(8.3) Boiling point plots of 6 organic homologous series of molecules - trends, comparisons, explanations

(8.4) Other case studies of boiling points related to intermolecular bonding forces for inorganic and organic molecules with a similar number of electrons

(8.7) Intermolecular bonding and the solubility of covalent compounds in various solvents and explaining why liquids are miscible or immiscible

WHAT NEXT?

ALL my advanced A level theoretical chemistry revision study notes

Part 8 sub–index: 8.1 Vapour pressure, nature, origin and examples explained * 8.2.1 Introduction to the types of intermolecular forces and examples explained (index) * 8.2.2 Detailed comparative discussion of boiling points of 8 organic molecule of similar molecular mass * 8.3 Boiling point plots of six organic homologous series - graphs and explanation * 8.4 Other case studies of boiling points related to intermolecular forces * 8.5 Steam distillation – theory and practice * Evidence and theory for hydrogen bonding in simple covalent hydride * 8.7 Solubility of covalent compounds, miscible and immiscible liquids

Advanced Equilibrium Chemistry Notes Part 1. Equilibrium, Le Chatelier's Principle–rules * Part 2. K_c and K_p equilibrium expressions and calculations * Part 3. Equilibrium and industrial processes * Part 4. Partition, solubility product and ion–exchange * Part 5. pH, weak–strong acid–base theory and calculations * Part 6. Salt hydrolysis, Acid–base titrations–indicators, pH curves and buffers * Part 7. Redox equilibria, half–cell electrode potentials, electrolysis and electrochemical series