Multiple Choice
Which compound has the higher boiling point: CH3OH or CH3CH2CH3?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
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Which of the following compounds has the highest boiling point at 1 atm?
A
(methanol)
B
(ethane)
C
(dimethyl ether)
D
(ethylene glycol)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the types of intermolecular forces present in each compound, as boiling point is largely influenced by these forces.
For methanol (CH\_3OH), recognize that it can form hydrogen bonds due to the -OH group, along with dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces.
For ethane (C\_2H\_6), note that it is a nonpolar molecule with only London dispersion forces, which are the weakest intermolecular forces among the options.
For dimethyl ether (CH\_3OCH\_3), understand that it has dipole-dipole interactions due to the polar C-O-C linkage but cannot form hydrogen bonds because it lacks an -OH group directly bonded to hydrogen.
Compare the strength of intermolecular forces: hydrogen bonding (strongest), dipole-dipole, and London dispersion (weakest). The compound with the strongest hydrogen bonding and larger molecular size will have the highest boiling point.
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