[University - Chemistry] Intermolecular Forces

[Master_of_the_Faster]

Originally Posted by xjohnieboyx

I may be mistaken, but I think CH4 has an intermolecular force stronger than that of CO due to the Hydrogen Bonds formed.

Sorry I'm a bit rusty on my chemistry. I'm not sure you are correct, however, that CH3OH is ranked 1 due to the hydrogen bonds. Rather, it's due to the OH at the end (called a hydroxide or hydroxyl?) Correct me if I'm wrong please.

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasc.../chem00933.htm

"Carbon monoxide does have a dipole moment but it is very small. C and O
are similar in electronegativity so the charge difference is quite small.

Methane has no dipole moment but has more electrons than CO does and is
more polarizable.

So even though CO molecules exhibit dipole-dipole and dispersion forces
and CH4 molecules only exhibit dispersion forces, CH4's dispersion forces
are apparently attractive enough to win the game."