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

3771 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The bond angle in a molecule of ammonia (NH3) is 107 degrees so why, when part of a transition metal complex is the bond angle 109.5 degrees.


State how you would test a solution for the presence of sulfate ions? Explain, using an ionic equation, what you would expect to observe in the presence of sulfate ions.


What does the term isotope mean?


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


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