Is one comparing the relative strengths of covalent and ionic bonds when comparing the relative melting points of potassium iodide and camphor? Why?
2007-02-24 09:33:22 · 3 answers · asked by untilyoucamealong04 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Oh yes.
Camphor has ONLY covalent bonds. So the intermolecular forces between adjacent molecules that holds camphor in a solid state a limited to dipole-dipole and london forces - pretty weak.
In KI there are ONLY ionic bonds . The intermolecular forces between molecules are STRONG electrostatic forces.
There is a HUGE difference in the mp between the two compounds.
2007-02-24 09:42:51 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are comparing is the strength of ionic bonds in KI with the strength of dispersion forces. Since camphor is a nonpolar molecular compound, the only intermolecular force of attraction between the molecules is dispersion forces. Those are quite weak, particular when compared with the attraction between ions.
2007-02-24 17:40:10 · answer #2 · answered by hcbiochem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
There is not a strong link between just the strengths of bond types and melting points.
The melting points of compounds is depended on their structure (e.g. crystalline lattice) as well as their bond strengths (i.e. ionic versus covalent).
The citation below notes an example of a class of ionic compounds that are liquid at room temperature.
2007-02-24 17:40:20 · answer #3 · answered by Zombies R Us 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋