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

3985 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Write a half-equation for the overall oxidation of ethanol into ethanoic acid.


Give the IUPAC name of CH3CH2CH2CH2CH(OH)CN and describe why the formation of this molecule creates 2 enantiomers.


Why is the melting temperature of Magnesium higher than that of Sodium?


Describe how you would distinguish between separate samples of the two 2 0 4 stereoisomers of CH3CH2CH2CH2CH(OH)CN [2 marks]


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences