Alcohols have what type of attraction with water molecules?

Alcohols exhibit a strong attraction to water molecules due to their molecular structure. The presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) in alcohols enables them to form hydrogen bonds with water. This interaction occurs because the electronegative oxygen atom in the hydroxyl group can attract the positively charged hydrogen atoms in water molecules, resulting in a significant level of intermolecular attraction.

This strong affinity is the reason alcohols are often soluble in water, particularly those with shorter carbon chains. The ability to form hydrogen bonds contributes to the overall polarity of the alcohol, enhancing its interaction with polar solvents like water. This explains why alcohols can mix well with water, demonstrating strong attractions rather than weak, moderate, or nonexistent interactions.