Name ________________________________________ Pd ___
Date ___________________
Intermolecular Forces Lab
Research Questions
 How does a compound’s molecule mass affects its boiling point?
 How do a compound’s intermolecular forces affect its boiling point?
 What are the relative strengths of the four intermolecular forces (IMFs)?
Compounds
Butane (C4H10)
Chlorine trifluoride (ClF3)
Chloromethane (CH3Cl)
Ethane (C2H6)
Formaldehyde (CH2O)
Hexane (C6H14)
Hydrogen chloride (HCl)
Lithium fluoride (LiF)
Methanol (CH3OH)
Octane (C8H18)
Pentanol (C5H11OH)
Potassium fluoride (KF)
Propanol (C3H7OH)
Rubidium fluoride (RbF)
Sodium fluoride (NaF)
Water (H2O)
Procedure
1. Create a data table to record the important information you need to answer the research questions.
2. Sketch the molecular shape and molecular dipole for each compound.
3. Use the IMF Reference Sheet and your knowledge of molecular dipoles to determine the IMFs for each
compound.
4. Calculate the molecular mass of each compound to the nearest atomic mass unit (amu).
5. Use the internet to find the normal boiling point in Kelvin for each compound.
Data Analysis
Graph molecule mass, boiling point and IMF for each compound. Treat the molecule mass as the independent
variable. [Hint: You have two dependent variables to graph. Think about how you can best do this.]
Conclusions
Write a narrative that answers the three research questions. You must use your data a specific examples to
explain each answer.