Question

What intermolecular forces are present between ethanol and methanol\[?\]

Answer 1

Hint: First we have to know what the intermolecular forces are and their types. Then we have to know the types of bonds. Then find the intermolecular forces are present between ethanol and methanol.

Complete answer:
Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion which act between neighbouring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). These forces are weak compared to the intramolecular forces, such as the covalent or ionic bonds between atoms in a molecule.
There are five types of intermolecular forces: ion-dipole forces, ion-induced-dipole forces, dipole-dipole forces, dipole-induced dipole forces and induced dipole forces. Ion-dipole forces exist between ions and polar (dipole) molecules.
 Ionic bonds form when one atom transfers electrons to another atom. An atom that loses an electron becomes a positive ion. The atom that gains an electron becomes a negative ion. The electrostatic attraction between these ions is an ionic bond. Covalent bonds form when two atoms share electrons. The covalent bonds are intramolecular bonds because they hold the atoms together in a single molecule.
 Ethanol has stronger intermolecular forces than methanol because it has a large molecular mass and more soluble in water than methanol. Van der Waals forces as are present between all molecules. Hydrogen bonds due to the \[ - OH\] groups on both ethanol and methanol. With respect to the relative strengths of these interactions, hydrogen bonding is significantly stronger than Van der Waals forces and thus would have an influence in the chemistry of the molecules in solution together. Well dispersion forces exist between all molecules. Hence, Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces present between ethanol and methanol.

Note:
Note that hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces. Covalent and ionic bonds are intramolecular forces. Depending on the electronegativities of each atom involved, the intermolecular forces strength and interaction time changes. Also note that Hydrogen bonds are especially strong intermolecular forces.