What happens to the physical properties(solubility/boiling/melting point) as chain length increases, and as functional groups are added onto the chemical compound?

As chain length increases, the boiling/melting point of hydrocarbon compounds increases. This is because whether a compound will change state from liquid to gas (boil) or not, depends upon the intermolecular forces. The weak, but numerous van der waals forces increase and therefore more energy input is required, therefore BP is greater.

AK
Answered by Abbas K. Chemistry tutor

3852 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is chirality/optical isomerism?


Phosphorus(III) chloride molecules are pyramidal with a bond angle less than 109.5°. Explain why a phosphorus(III) chloride molecule has this shape and bond angle.


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


What is the difference between pH and pKa?


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