Polarity & Non-covalent Interactions

Question 1

What are the four important types of non-covalent interactions?

Answer 1

1. Ionic bonds
2. Hydrogen bonds
3. Van der Waals
4. Hydrophobic interactions

Question 2

Why is water important?

Answer 2

It plays a major role in determining whether non-covalent bonds form and how strong they are. It also solvates polar molecules and affects hydrogen bonding.

Question 3

When will a molecule be polar?

Answer 3

If:

1. It has polar bonds
2. Its centres of partial positive and partial negative charges lie at different places within the molecule

Question 4

Why do dipole-dipole interactions occur?

Answer 4

They occur due to the electrostatic attraction of positive and negative dipoles.