Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => Physical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: MDL on September 30, 2020, 06:12:24 AM

Title: Can piperazine form van-der-Waals interactions?
Post by: MDL on September 30, 2020, 06:12:24 AM

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what's your opinion about the ability of molecules containing polar atoms to form van-der-Waals interactions.

For example piperazine. Each carbon atom is connected to a heteroatom (N), causing partial dipoles. Can it then form attractive van-der-Waals interactions with, for example, a phenyl ring (given a favourable distance)?

To my knowledge, the methyl part of a methoxy group can, at least according to literature.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks  :)

Title: Re: Can piperazine form van-der-Waals interactions?
Post by: chenbeier on September 30, 2020, 06:28:35 AM

It will be more as van de Waals, Hetereoatoms have polar behavior. So the more negative atom attract to more positive areas.

Title: Re: Can piperazine form van-der-Waals interactions?
Post by: MDL on September 30, 2020, 12:40:05 PM

Thanks, I agree, but what if the molecule interacting with piperazine is completely apolar? Will they form van-der-Waals interactions?

Title: Re: Can piperazine form van-der-Waals interactions?
Post by: wildfyr on September 30, 2020, 02:34:00 PM

All organic molecules experience van der waals interactions, its more a matter of degree. Usually "surface area" is a decent stand in for how strong the interaction will be.