Why does ethanoyl chloride have a lower boiling point that pentanoyl chloride?

This question is referring to the size of molecule and its relation to boiling point. The boiling point is higher when the intermolecular interactions are weaker. Intermolecular interactions are weaker in smaller molecules because there are weaker Van der Waal interactions between molecules, so, because ethanoyl chloride (2 c chain) is smaller than pentanoyl chloride (5 c chain), it has weaker intermolecular bonds and so has the lower boiling point.

TH
Answered by Tom H. Chemistry tutor

4329 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how collision theory explains an increase in the rate of a reaction at higher temperatures.


What is entropy?


Explain why silicon dioxide has a higher melting point than sulphur trioxide


What is meant by 'activation energy' ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning