ODYSSEY Intermolecular Forces

Chemistry is, ostensibly, all about molecules. However, molecules never exist in isolation—molecules interact! Use this app to gain greater familiarity with the fundamental concepts of intermolecular forces and experience their actions at the molecular level. Dispersion interactions, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding are all explored with the help of more than 50 molecular models.

A number of prototypical compounds, such as methane, hydrogen cyanide, and water are first presented at the level of quantum chemistry by showing the electron cloud and highlighting the presence (or lack) of molecular polarity. Next, models of corresponding dimers illustrate the interactions among pairs of molecules. Finally, models of the equilibrium phase under ambient conditions (solid, liquid, or gas) present dynamic molecular-level samples of the actual macroscopic substances.

Using simple gestures, models can be examined at any orientation and zoom level and with a number of different visualization styles. Molecular dipoles and hydrogen bonds can be highlighted, and many of the samples can be explored with room temperature simulations. A glossary, comments section, and a set of multiple choice questions (with randomization of the answer options) complete the app.