CameraIcon
CameraIcon
SearchIcon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Give a reason for the higher boiling point of ethanol in comparison to methoxymethane.


Open in App
Solution

Hydrogen Bond:

  • The bond between the hydrogen atom of one molecule and the electronegative atom [Oxygen(O), Nitrogen(N) or Fluorine(F)] of another molecule is called intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
  • Compared to Ionic and covalent bonds, these are weaker but stronger than Van der Waal's forces.
  • Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces.
  • When a molecule has intermolecular hydrogen bonding, it requires more energy to break i.e., a high boiling point is required.
  • Ethanol is alcohol whereas methoxy methane is an ether.
  • Both have the same molecular formula but different structures due to different functional groups in them.
  • Ethanol(C2H5OH) has -OH a group that undergoes intermolecular hydrogen bonding where it is absent in methoxy methane(C2H6O).

Physical Properties of Alcohols: Easy exam revision notes for GSCE Chemistry

Therefore due to the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, ethanol (C2H5OH) has a higher boiling point than methoxy methane(C2H6O).


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
13
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon