Chemistry: Atoms First (2nd Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1305079248
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-924-3

Chapter 21 - Additional Exercises - Page 881i: 115

Answer

The structure of isomer having formula $C_{2}H_{6}O$ that boils at $-23^{\circ}$C is : $CH_{3}-O-CH_{3}$ i.e. methoxy methane. And the structure of isomer that boils at $78.5^{\circ}C$ is : $ CH_{3}CH_{2}OH$ i.e. ethanol.

Work Step by Step

Two structural isomers are possible having molecular formula $C_{2}H_{6}O$ which are $CH_{3}-O-CH_{3}$ and $ CH_{3}CH_{2}OH$. Between this, ethanol has boiling point greater than that of di methyl ether because of intermolecular H bonding occurs between the molecules of ethanol. H bonding occurs because here H is bonded with more electronegative atom O. So, it will participate in intermolecular H bonding as seen below. So, the molecules of $ CH_{3}CH_{2}OH$ are bonded together in liquid state and as a result it will need more energy to break the bond i.e. boiling point increases. On the other hand, in dimethyl ether H is bonded with C atom which are less electronegative than O atom. So, they cannot participate in intermolecular H bonding. so, the boiling point is low.
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