In fractional distillation the shorter hydrocarbons have lower boiling points and distil off first. Why?

Boiling points are determined by the interactions between the individual hydrocarbon molecules. The weaker the interactions, the less energy is required to boil the hydrocarbon and the lower the boiling point. Shorter hydrocarbons have weaker interactions whereas longer hydrocarbons have stronger interactions between each other. As a result they have different boiling points and can be separated by fractional distillation.

Answered by Hannah B. Chemistry tutor

3958 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Ammonia is made from nitrogen and hydrogen in a reversible reaction. Write a balanced symbol equation for this reaction, name the reaction and give one use for ammonia.


If 350gNaCl is dissolved in water and made up to a volume of 3dm^3, calculate the concentration of the solution.


Describe the process of distillation


Explain what metallic bonding is.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences