In alcohols, the electronegative _________ atom attracts electrons more carries a partial negative charge. The _________ in the hydroxyl group carries a partial positive charge. The partial negative and partial positive charges attract each other and form __________ between molecules.
In alcohols, the electronegative oxygen atom attracts electrons more and carries a partial negative charge. The hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group carries a partial positive charge. The partial negative and partial positive charges attract each other and form hydrogen bonds between molecules.
To determine this information, you need to understand the concept of electronegativity, the structure of alcohol molecules, and the formation of hydrogen bonds.
1. Electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. It is based on the electronegativity scale, with oxygen being more electronegative than hydrogen.
2. Structure of Alcohol Molecules: Alcohol molecules consist of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon chain. The oxygen atom in the hydroxyl group has a lone pair of electrons, making it more electronegative than the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the molecule.
3. Partial Charges: Due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, the oxygen atom attracts the shared electrons in the O-H bond closer to itself, acquiring a partial negative charge. In contrast, the hydrogen atom experiences a partial positive charge.
4. Hydrogen Bonding: The partial charges on the oxygen and hydrogen atoms in adjacent alcohol molecules allow for the formation of hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are weak forces of attraction between the partial positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and the partial negative oxygen atom in a neighboring molecule. These bonds contribute to the unique properties and behaviors of alcohols, such as higher boiling points and increased solubility in water.
In summary, the electronegative oxygen atom in alcohols attracts electrons more and carries a partial negative charge. The hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group carries a partial positive charge. The partial negative and partial positive charges enable the formation of hydrogen bonds between alcohol molecules.