Question

What intermolecular force or bond is primarily responsible for the solubility of chlorine (Cl2) in water

Answer 1

The question is incomplete, the common question is;

What intermolecular attractive force is primarily responsible for the solubility of chlorine, Cl2, in water?

a. dipole - dipole

b. hydrogen bonding

c. dipole-induced dipole

d. ion-dipole

e. ion-induced dipole

Answer:

dipole-induced dipole

Explanation:

We have to remember that water is a polar molecule hence it possesses a dipole moment. Its dipole moment is responsible for the ability of water to dissolve many substances.

On the other hand, Cl2 is a nonpolar molecule bound together by only weak dispersion forces.

Recall that dispersion forces involve transient appearance of a dipole in a molecule.

Water molecules can induce a dipole in Cl2 thereby causing the both molecules to interact and Cl2 dissolves in water.