Chapter 16, Problem 65QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the higher boiling point of ethanol $\left({\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2\text{OH}\right)$ than propane $\left({\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2{\text{CH}}_3\right)$ is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which the vapour pressure of that substance becomes equal to the surrounding pressure. At boiling point, the substance changes its state to vapour.

Boiling point depends on the intermolecular forces present in the substance. Higher the number of intermolecular forces present, higher the boiling point of the substance will be.

There are three types of intermolecular forces that can be present in a substance: (a) London dispersion force, (b) dipole-dipole force, and (c) hydrogen bonding force. The compound which can form hydrogen bonding will have a higher boiling point.