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

4710 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Nitrogen reacts with hydrogen to produce ammonia. Calculate the mass of ammonia made from 84.0g of nitrogen.


Why does ice float on water?


What are the relative charges of the proton, neutron and electron?


Sodium’s atomic number is 11 and its mass number is 23. How many protons, electrons and neutrons does it have?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences