Correlation between functional group and viscosity of an organic compound? I'm looking to explore the correlation between the type of functional group on an organic molecule and the viscosity of the compound. I know that viscosity is affected by intermolecular forces (Ion-induced dipoles, Ion-dipole, Hydrogen bonding, van der Waals), and that the type of forces present depends on the functional group. I'm aiming to explore viscosities of compounds with the following groups:


Alkenyl
Alkynyl
Hydroxyl
Ether
Aldehyde
Carbonyl
Carboxyl
Amide
Amine
Nitrile
Phenyl


How do the (absolute) viscosities of compounds with each of these groups (assuming single-functional group compounds) differ, and why (in terms of intermolecular forces present)? Are there any databases with values for viscosities that I could use?

Thank you for the help.
There are empirical methods that can give you the viscosity from the structure. For lower temperatures, Orrick-Erbar equation, and for higher temperatures, Letsou-Stiel equation is what you are looking for. Orrick-Erbar maybe more suitable for you, because it is a group contribution method, and by looking at the values assigned to functional groups, you can develop an intuition about how each group affects viscosity. Letsou-Stiel uses acentricity factor, because at high temperatures, secondary bonds become less important.

As for database, NIST may be useful. Or if not, look at some supplier webpage (I use SigmaAldrich for this).