Question

Briefly describe the phenomena on how intermolecular forces may effect solubility

Answer 1

Many intermolecular forces can contribute to solvation, including hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole forces, Van Der Waals forces, and ion-dipole interactions. Especially hydrogen bonding is an important role in solvantion. Polar molecules dissolve in polar molecules due to hydrogen bonding. For example Carbonxylic acid and water undergo hydrogen bonding. They have higher solubility.

There are attractive forces between solute-solute molecules, between solvent-solvent molecules, and between solute-solvent molecules. In order for something to dissolve, the solute-solvent forces must be able to overcome the solute-solute and solvent-solvent attractions. If the solute-solvent forces are less then these forces, the solute will normally not dissolve significantly.