[MDL]

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 

[chenbeier]

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

[MDL]

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

[wildfyr]

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.