Why does propanol have a higher boiling point than propanone, propanal or methyl ethanoate?

Molecules of propanol have a hydrogen directly bonded to a NOF atom (oxygen in this case), which means that they can hydrogen bond with eachother. The oxygen in the other three molecules is only bonded to a carbon atom so hydrogen bonding is not possible. All the molecules have Van der Waals forces between them but propanol has the addition of having hydrogen bonding, which is slightly stronger. The stronger forces between molecules means that more energy is required to break apart the molecules and therefore the substance has a higher boiling point. Remember boiling point is the temperature that corresponds to the energy required to break the intermolecular forces of attraction.

KW
Answered by Katharine W. Chemistry tutor

35428 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State and explain whether NaCl and Mg can conduct electricity in both the solid and molten states.


Explain why water has a higher boiling point than hydrogen iodide.


How do I calculate the percentage by mass of a metal within an impure substance?


Why is the enthalpy of hydration of a chloride ion more negative than that of a bromide ion, using your knowledge of the attractive forces involved.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences