Explain what happens to the boiling and solubility of alcohols as their chain length increases

Boiling point: As alkyl chain length increases, boiling point increases as there are surface area contacts and so stronger induced dipole-dipole intermolecular forces – more energy needed to overcome leading to a higher boiling pointSolubility: As alkyl chain length increases, the solubility of the alcohol decreases since the aliphatic chain can’t form H-bonds and that becomes the larger part of the molecule

AA
Answered by Azreen A. Chemistry tutor

4165 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Molecules of hydrogen chloride, HCl, and molecules of fluorine, F2, contain the same number of electrons. Hydrogen chloride boils at –85 °C and fluorine boils at –188 °C. Explain why there is a difference in the boiling points of HCl and F2.


What is a buffer solution? How to make a buffer solution?


Explain the term 'homologous series'


Explain the position and numbering system of elements on the periodic table.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning