What are Intramolecular Forces

Intramolecular forces, also known as intramolecular interaction, are the forces that arise within a molecule. It is the force responsible for holding the atoms together in a molecule. Unlike intermolecular forces, which are between molecules, intramolecular forces occur between the atoms in a molecule. The conductivity and solubility of substances in the presence of solvents and the physical properties of metals depend on the intramolecular forces.

A chemical bond is an intramolecular force. It is the attractive force that keeps the atoms in a molecule together, making the compound stable. For example, water (H₂O) has two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom by single covalent bonds.

Types of Intramolecular Forces

The following three forces are considered intramolecular.

1. Ionic Bond: It is due to the attraction between ions. Ions are formed when an atom loses or gains electrons. The ionic bond is formed between a metal and nonmetal, where the metal loses electrons, and the nonmetal gains them.

Examples: Sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium iodide (KI), and magnesium oxide (MgO)

2. Covalent Bond: It is due to sharing of electrons between two atoms. Atoms share their outermost or valence electrons to fulfill the octet rule and form bonds. Such a type of bonding occurs between two nonmetals. The covalent bond is the strongest of all intramolecular forces and the most common form of chemical bond in living organisms.

Examples: Water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ammonia (NH₃)

3. Metallic Bond: It is a force that holds atoms together in a metal. The outermost electron shells (orbitals) of each metal atom overlap with many neighboring atoms. As a result, the valence electrons move freely from one atom to another, which results in an attraction between the cloud of electrons and the positively charged nuclei.

Examples: Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Gold (Au)