What is the correct order of the boiling points of 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

What is the correct order of the boiling points of 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 the highest boiling point due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds. Dimethyl ether, although it has a similar molecular weight to ethanol, cannot form hydrogen bonds and thus has a lower boiling point. Propane has the lowest boiling point of the three because it is a nonpolar molecule with the weakest intermolecular forces (Van der Waals forces).

What Is the Correct Order of the Boiling Points of Propane