Answer to Question #34075 in Organic Chemistry for Gypsi

Question

The compounds 1-propanol and propanine have approx the same molar mass. Based on differences in their intermolecular bonding, rank these compounds in order of increasing boiling point. Justify your prediction.

Answer 1

1-propanol has an -OH at the first C atom. The molecules of 1-propanol will be held together by (fairly strong) intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Such an arrangement is not possible in propanone (there is no H bound to O in this compound). The substance that can have H bonding between the molecules will, at comparable mol. mass, have the higher boiling point. Arrangement: propanone < 1-propanol.