Why does ethanoyl chloride have a lower boiling point that pentanoyl chloride?

This question is referring to the size of molecule and its relation to boiling point. The boiling point is higher when the intermolecular interactions are weaker. Intermolecular interactions are weaker in smaller molecules because there are weaker Van der Waal interactions between molecules, so, because ethanoyl chloride (2 c chain) is smaller than pentanoyl chloride (5 c chain), it has weaker intermolecular bonds and so has the lower boiling point.

TH
Answered by Tom H. Chemistry tutor

4377 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The reversible reaction 2 SO2 (g) + O2 (g) <-> 2 SO3 (g) has a delta H value of -197 kJ/mol. Use Le Chatelier's principle to explain what conditions would give the highest equilibrium yield and why industry uses different conditions. (5 marks)


Discuss the trend in first ionisation energies across the second period of the periodic table.


Why dose sodium oxide have a high melting point?


Cracking of the unbranched compound E, C6H14, produced the saturated compound F and an unsaturated compound G (Mr = 42). Identify these compounds and write an equation for the reaction.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning