Can hydrogen bonding account for viscosity?

Answer 1

Neither ethanol nor methanol, the alcohols in which hydrogen bonding most strongly operates, are particularly viscous (the same for water). Therefore, viscosity cannot solely be attributed to hydrogen bonding.

Conversely, as the chain length increases, so does the possibility of chain/chain interaction, which raises boiling points. In long chain alcohols, the polar heads would then aggregate, strengthening the chain/chain interaction (cf. detergents). As a result, both alcohols and alkanes tend to become more viscous and syrupy. This intermolecular force can be attributed to dispersion forces.

I don't know if you have ever handled glycerol, 1,2,3-propanetriol. This material is very syrupy. Here, of course, increased hydrogen bonding does operate with respect to say propane or the propanols, and is responsible for the high density (#rho =1.26*g*mL^-1#), and high boiling point (#290""^@C#).
Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer 2

Yes, hydrogen bonding can contribute to viscosity in liquids. Hydrogen bonding between water molecules, for example, creates cohesive forces that make it more resistant to flow, resulting in higher viscosity.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Not the question you need?

Drag image here or click to upload

Or press Ctrl + V to paste
Answer Background
HIX Tutor
Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI
  • 98% accuracy study help
  • Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
  • Step-by-step, in-depth guides
  • Readily available 24/7