Question

Diethyl ether has a boiling point of 34.5 Celcius and 1-buts nil has a boiling point of 117C. Both of these molecules have identical molecular masses. Explain this difference in boiling points.

Answer 1

Solution.

The boiling point depends on not only the molecular mass but also a types fo intermolecular interactions which exist in the bulk phase. The stronger the intermolecular forces the harder it is to vaporize a substance. The lower boiling point corresponds to the lower intermolecular forces. Diethyl ether cannot posses hydrogen bonding between its molecules, as the oxygen is connected to two different carbon atoms. In the molecule of alcohol, the hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative oxygen, making the molecule be able to participate in hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonds can be considered as a very strong intermolecular forces, and the presence of it can elevate boiling point to a great extent.