Question

The ball-and-stick models below represent three compounds with the same molecular formula ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{4}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{8}}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{2}}$:

(a) Which compound(s) can form intermolecular H-bonds?

(b) Which has the highest viscosity?

Short answer

(a) The compounds which can form intermolecular H-bonds are A and B.

(b) The Compound which has the highest viscosity is compound A.

Step-by-step solution

Definition

Intermolecular hydrogen bonding is the bonding between the two different molecules approaches each other. Hydrogen bonding is the kind of weak intermolecular force ofattraction between the electronegative atom and electropositive atom which can be of same molecule or different molecule.

Viscosity can be defined as the force of attraction between the atoms of the layers. Theviscosity decides the flow of the liquid. If the viscosity is high, the flow of liquid is low or we can called viscous whereas if the viscosity is low, the flow of liquid is high.

Numerical Explanation (a)

(a) The intermolecular hydrogen bonding has been shown by the compound A and B.

Compound A shows the carboxylic acid in the end of the molecule, there is electronegative O-atom and electropositive H-atom. There is a weak intramolecular force of attraction.

Compound B shows the alcohol (OH-atom) both side of the molecule, there is electronegative O-atom and electropositive H-atom.

Explanation (b) 

(b) The Viscosity of the Compound A is high as the molecule has electronegative atom than other compound. The force of attraction is more in the hydrogen bonding of the compound A than other compound which makes it more viscous.