In alkanethiol monolayer on Ag, the molecules are tightly packed together. What is the dominant intermolecular force that acts within the monolayer? Using concepts of intermolecular forces and solubility to explain why the monolayer acts as a protective coating against water.
The dominant intermolecular force that acts within the monolayer is Van der Waals force of attraction and hydrophobic force due to long chain methylene(-CH2-) groups. Also due to higher affinity of S towards Ag/Au, a semicovalent bond is formed between S and Ag/Au having bond energy of the order of C-C bond energy.
The monolayer acts as a protective coating against water due to hydrophobic interaction with water due to long chain methylene(-CH2-) groups present in the monolayer.
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