Saturday, February 26, 2011

Isopropyl Alcohol - C3H8O

This molecule is polar.  We know this because the Lewis Structure of the molecule only has one line of symmetry, and a molecule is polar if it has one or less line of symmetry.  Another reason we know that it is polar is because it is not spread out evenly.  This means that one side will be more or less positive than another, creating poles. 

This molecule, when put near one of itself, also has all three intermolecular forces.  First of all, it naturally has london dipersion forces, because these are found between all close molecules.  This is caused by the moving electrons.  Secondly, there is dipole-dipole attraction because the molecule is a dipole.  It naturally has a positive and negative pole, so two identical molecules of C3H8O would line up.  One positive pole would go to the other negative pole, forming a temporary bond.  Lastly, it has hydrogen bonding, which is a special case of dipole-dipole.  The oxygen of one of the molecules would align with one of the hydrogen atoms of the other, and they would create a hydrogen bond.  This is the rapid changing of bonds between the hydrogen and the oxygen, and where they actually began.

This molecule is rubbing alcohol.  Rubbing alcohol is a standard household item, and is useful in many situations.  It is useful to disinfect germs in small cuts, and other small injuries.  This is great because it can prevent infection, which stops a small problem from turning into a huge one.  Some use it on muscular aches, to relieve pain, which is a common and effective method of treatment.  Rubbing alcohol can disinfect just about anything, from keyboards to equipment used in the body piercing industry.  Combining rubbing alcohol with water and putting it in the freezer will serve as a useful "ice" pack, because it will not freeze solid, and therefore can be better used on sore or pulled muscles.  It can be used to wipe away the residue left behind from a price tag, which is without a doubt a frustrating problem for everyone.  Although there are more logical ways of starting a fire, this could be used in desperation, as it is highly flammable.  This is because it has all of the elements needed for combustion.  Finally, do not drink it simply because it has the word "alcohol" in it.  It is often mixed with poison, and this could be lethal.

5 comments:

  1. Nice picture with the arrows pointing to the atoms with the higher electronegativity values.

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  2. The blog is a well explained description of Isopropyl alcohol and its characteristics. The picture of the molecule is a good digital picture which shows the actual shape of the molecule and the arrows all point where they should point. Good explenation on why the molecule is polar, because it can only be split one way and because of its positive and negative ends. The descriptions of its intermolecular orces are correct and well explained as well. The ad is very persuasive because of its relation to most people, who need an ice pack at some time.

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  3. I really like this. The molecule's picture is nice and accurate and you've done all your research.
    But where's the ad?

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  4. I thought that the background color was not eye-catching, but everything else about the blog was good. I really like the 3D model, and I like how there is a key, and how you explained how you can tell if the molecule is polar or non-polar by using lines of symmetry. Sam did a great job at explaing the three forces of attraction and how they apply to Isopropyl Alcohol. The ad is really persuasive and it shows that Rubbing Alcohol is essential for everyday use. Overall, I thought the blog was very organized and provided everything it need. Good job Sam.

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