A chemist is designing two versions of a synthetic polymer
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
A chemist is designing two versions of a synthetic polymer. Version A has –CH₃ side groups, whereas Version B substitutes each –CH₃ with –Cl. Which statement most accurately predicts how this substitution affects intermolecular forces between polymer chains?
(a) Version B experiences weaker London dispersion forces because the electronegativity of chlorine withdraws electron density, decreasing polarizability
(b) Version B experiences stronger London dispersion forces because the –Cl groups increase polarizability
(c) Version B experiences stronger hydrogen bonding because the highly electronegative chlorine can accept hydrogen bonds from neighboring chains
(d) Version A experiences stronger dipole–dipole forces because C−H bonds are polar, whereas C−Cl bonds are nonpolar overall