Which statement BEST describes why ethers have lower boiling points than alcohols of the same molecular weight?
A) Ethers cannot hydrogen bond to one another.
B) Alcohols cannot hydrogen bond to one another.
C) Ethers can hydrogen bond with water.
D) Alcohols can hydrogen bond with water.
E) Ethers cannot hydrogen bond with water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethers have lower boiling points than alcohols because they cannot hydrogen bond to one another, which is a strong intermolecular force that significantly increases boiling points. Alcohols, on the other hand, can hydrogen bond to each other due to the presence of a hydroxyl group, leading to higher boiling points.

Which Statement BEST Describes Why Ethers Have Lower Boiling Points