Answer to Question #270342 in Organic Chemistry for shelly

Question

Comparing the structures of an ESTER and a CARBOXYLIC ACID, explain using words only why carboxylic acids have a higher B.P and M.P than an ester of comparable molecular weight (same # of carbons). 

Answer 1

Carboxylic acids exhibit strong hydrogen bonding between molecules. They therefore have high boiling points compared to other substances of comparable molar mass.