Discussion:
Functional Groups and Intermolecular Forces
The functional groups determine the reactivity of their molecules because of their ability to direct the interactions of the overall molecule.
1. Choose two functional groups from chapter 11 or 12. For each functional group find a household product that contains the functional groups you chose (e.g. fingernail polish remover contains acetone a ketone).
2. Explain the action of the product in terms of the intermolecular forces that these groups impart to the molecule.
The ketone functional group in acetone makes it polar, and able to accept hydrogen bonds. This is why acetone is present in fingernail polish remover. It is dissolved in the water of remover, where it makes hydrogen bonds. Also, it has a hydrocarbon region. This region makes the molecule nonpolar. Being nonpolar allows the acetone to remove the fingernail polish which I think is nonpolar, since it doesn't dissolve in water.