Which of the following correctly gives the order of boiling points for the molecules propane, dimethyl ether, and ethanol?
A) ethanol dimethyl ether propane
B) ethanol propane dimethyl ether
C) propane dimethyl ether ethanol
D) propane ethanol dimethyl ether

Question

Which of the following correctly gives the order of boiling points for the molecules propane, dimethyl ether, and ethanol?
A) ethanol > dimethyl ether > propane
B) ethanol > propane > dimethyl ether
C) propane > dimethyl ether > ethanol
D) propane > ethanol > dimethyl ether

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethanol has hydrogen bonding, which makes it have the highest boiling point. Dimethyl ether does not have hydrogen bonding, but has dipole-dipole interactions, giving it a higher boiling point than propane, which only has London dispersion forces. Therefore, the correct order is ethanol > dimethyl ether > propane.

Which of the Following Correctly Gives the Order of Boiling