What is the boiling point trend among alcohols? (2020) 2020
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the boiling point trend among alcohols? (2020) 2020
Decreases with molecular weight
Increases with molecular weight
Remains constant
Increases with branching
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the boiling point trend among alcohols? (2020) 2020
Step 1: Understand that alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Step 2: Recognize that the boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas.
Step 3: Learn that as the molecular weight of alcohols increases (meaning they have more carbon and hydrogen atoms), their boiling points tend to increase.
Step 4: Know that this increase in boiling point is due to stronger hydrogen bonding between alcohol molecules.
Step 5: Conclude that stronger hydrogen bonds require more energy (in the form of heat) to break, leading to higher boiling points.