Explain why ethanol has a higher boiling point than ethene (3)

I would recommend drawing both molecules to identify the key functional groups and relative sizes of the two molecules before attempting to write an answer. Answer: Ethanol molecules have hydrogen bonding interactions between them, ethene molecules don't. (1) Ethene molecules only have van der waals interactions between them, which are weaker than hydrogen bonds. (1) More energy is required to break the stronger hydrogen bonds between ethanol molecules than the weaker van der waals forces between ethene molecules. (1)

Answered by Edward F. Chemistry tutor

4592 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State what is meant by the term 'first ionisation energy' and explain why the first ionisation energy of barium is lower than that of calcium


What is the difference between Covalent and Ionic bonding?


Explain why alkenes can have stereoisomers


Explain the term 'homologous series'


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences