Question #79859
Ethanol ( CH3CH2OH ) and dimethyl ether ( CH3OCH3 ) have the same formula ( C2H6O ).
Ethanol boils at 78 degrees Celsius whereas dimethyl ether boils at -24 degrees Celsius. Explain why the boiling point of the ether is so much lower than the boiling point of ethanol
Ethanol boils at 78 degrees Celsius whereas dimethyl ether boils at -24 degrees Celsius. Explain why the boiling point of the ether is so much lower than the boiling point of ethanol
Expert's answer
#79859 Chemistry, General Chemistry
Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) and dimethyl ether (CH₃OCH₃) have the same formula (C₂H₆O).
Ethanol boils at 78 degrees Celsius whereas dimethyl ether boils at -24 degrees Celsius. Explain why the boiling point of the ether is so much lower than the boiling point of ethanol.
Answer:
These compounds are isomers – they have the same empirical formula, but different connectivity between the atoms. Therefore, their chemical and physical properties are distinct.
Ethanol is an alcohol with H-bonding so will have larger intermolecular forces and higher boiling point than the ether that does not have H-bonding.
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