Classify the strongest type of intermolecular force in the follow- ing interactions: solvent–solvent, solvent–solute, and solute– solute when solid iodine 1I22 is placed in the water. Based on these interactions, predict whether I2 is soluble in water.

Key Concepts

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between molecules. They include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Understanding these forces is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in different environments, such as solubility in solvents.

Solubility Principles

Solubility refers to the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent, which is influenced by the nature of both the solute and solvent. The principle 'like dissolves like' indicates that polar solvents tend to dissolve polar solutes, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes. This concept is essential for predicting the solubility of iodine in water.

Iodine and Water Interactions

Iodine (I2) is a nonpolar molecule, while water (H2O) is a polar solvent. The interactions between iodine and water involve weaker London dispersion forces, which are not strong enough to overcome the hydrogen bonding present in water. This difference in polarity explains why iodine is not soluble in water.