How do intermolecular forces affect solubility?

Question

Naomi Aronson · Accepted Answer

Well what occurs in the act of dissolution (which sounds like an act of Parliament!)….

The force between molecules/particles is disrupted...and solvent-solute bonds are formed. To a first approximation, SOLUTE-SOLUTE bonds are broken...and SOLUTE-SOLVENT bonds are formed. The greater the intermolecular force or interparticle force, the LESS the SOLUBILITY. And thus non-molecular materials, i.e. silicon dioxide, metals, ionic salts, polymers, should ALL have low intrinsic solubility. Some solvents have an ability to dissolve ionic solids...water is one such...which CAN offer solvation to SOME ionic solutes...

Natalie Anton · Answer

undefined Intermolecular forces play a crucial role in determining solubility by affecting the interactions between solute and solvent molecules. Generally, if the intermolecular forces between solute and solvent molecules are similar in strength, the solute will dissolve in the solvent. For example, if the solute is polar and the solvent is polar, or if the solute is nonpolar and the solvent is nonpolar, the intermolecular forces will be compatible, leading to dissolution. Conversely, if the solute and solvent have dissimilar intermolecular forces, such as polar solute in a nonpolar solvent, or vice versa, solubility may be limited or nonexistent. Additionally, the magnitude of intermolecular forces relative to thermal energy influences solubility; stronger intermolecular forces increase solubility, while weaker forces decrease it.