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

3354 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you work out the oxidation number of a atom in a compound?


What are the special properties of graphite and diamond- why are they different.


Predict the bond angles and shape of a molecule of ammonia.


Describe the changes in equilibrium of ethanol production from ethene and water (enthalpy of reaction is ∆H = - 46 kJ/mol) when: (a) a high pressure is applied; (b) ethanol concentration is increased; (c) temperature is increased; (d) a catalyst is used.


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