Indicate the type of solute–solvent interaction (Section 11.2) that should be most important in each of the following solutions: (a) CCl₄ in benzene

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the types of molecules involved. In this case, we have CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride) and benzene. Both of these are nonpolar molecules.
2. Step 2: Understand the types of solute-solvent interactions. These can be ion-dipole, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, and dispersion forces (London forces).
3. Step 3: Since both CCl₄ and benzene are nonpolar, they cannot form ion-dipole, dipole-dipole, or hydrogen bonds. Therefore, the most important type of interaction between these two substances would be dispersion forces.
4. Step 4: Dispersion forces, also known as London forces, are the weakest type of intermolecular force. They occur due to temporary fluctuations in electron distribution within molecules, which create temporary positive and negative regions that can attract each other.
5. Step 5: Therefore, the most important solute-solvent interaction in a solution of CCl₄ in benzene is dispersion forces (London forces).

Key Concepts

Solute-Solvent Interactions

Solute-solvent interactions refer to the various forces that occur between solute particles and solvent molecules when a solution is formed. These interactions can include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. The strength and type of these interactions significantly influence the solubility of a solute in a solvent.

Nonpolar Solutes and Solvents

Nonpolar solutes, such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), do not have significant charge separation and thus do not interact strongly with polar solvents. Instead, they tend to dissolve in nonpolar solvents, like benzene, due to similar intermolecular forces. This principle is often summarized by the phrase 'like dissolves like,' indicating that nonpolar substances are more soluble in nonpolar environments.

London Dispersion Forces

London dispersion forces are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary dipoles created when electron distributions around atoms fluctuate. These forces are significant in nonpolar substances, such as CCl4 and benzene, where they are the primary type of interaction. Understanding these forces is crucial for predicting the behavior of nonpolar solutes in nonpolar solvents.