6.2.7

Chemical Properties of Small Molecules

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Intermolecular Forces and Molecule Structure

The size of a molecule affects the overall strength of intermolecular forces. The strength of intermolecular forces affects the properties of a molecule.

Illustrative background for Small moleculesIllustrative background for Small molecules ?? "content

Small molecules

  • Small molecules have weak intermolecular forces. This means that they have low melting and boiling points.
  • Because of this, they are often liquids or gases at room temperature.
  • Small molecules don't contain delocalised electrons. Because of this, they cannot conduct electricity.
Illustrative background for Chlorine - example of a small moleculeIllustrative background for Chlorine - example of a small molecule ?? "content

Chlorine - example of a small molecule

  • Cl2 (the diatomic molecule of chlorine) is a small molecule with weak intermolecular forces between its molecules.
  • It is a gas at room temperature.
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Bigger molecules

  • Bigger molecules attract other molecules with stronger intermolecular forces. This means that they have higher melting and boiling points than small molecules.
  • Don't contain delocalised electrons, and so can't conduct electricity.
Illustrative background for Sucrose - example of a bigger moleculeIllustrative background for Sucrose - example of a bigger molecule ?? "content

Sucrose - example of a bigger molecule

  • Sucrose is made of 45 atoms and has the formula C12H22O11.
  • Although it is a simple molecule, its size means that its intermolecular forces are strong enough for it to be solid at room temperature.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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