Question

The high boiling point of ethanol $\left({78.2}^{o}C\right)$ compared to dimethyl ether $(-{23.6}^{o}C)$, though both having the same molecular formula $C_2{H}_{6}O$, is due to:

• A. hydrogen bonding
• B. ionic bonding
• C. co-ordinate covalent bonding
• D. resonance

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

hydrogen bonding

The high boiling point of ethanol $\left({78.2}^{o}C\right)$ compared to dimethyl ether $(-{23.6}^{o}C)$, though both having the same molecular formula $C_2{H}_{6}O$, is due to Hydrogen bonding.
Hydrogen bonding is observed when H atom is attached to more electronegative N, F or O atom.
Ethanol molecules are associated due to hydrogen bonding. This results in higher boiling point.
However, hydrogen bonding is not possible in dimethyl ether.