Why does propanol have a higher boiling point than propanone, propanal or methyl ethanoate?

Molecules of propanol have a hydrogen directly bonded to a NOF atom (oxygen in this case), which means that they can hydrogen bond with eachother. The oxygen in the other three molecules is only bonded to a carbon atom so hydrogen bonding is not possible. All the molecules have Van der Waals forces between them but propanol has the addition of having hydrogen bonding, which is slightly stronger. The stronger forces between molecules means that more energy is required to break apart the molecules and therefore the substance has a higher boiling point. Remember boiling point is the temperature that corresponds to the energy required to break the intermolecular forces of attraction.

KW
Answered by Katharine W. Chemistry tutor

39377 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Chlorine, 15 g, is contained in a vessel with a volume of 0.80 dm3 at 330 K. Calculate the pressure exerted when the chlorine is treated as a perfect (ideal) gas giving your answer in terms of kPa


Use the periodic table to write symbols for the following species: 19 protons, 20 neutrons, 19 electrons


20cm3 of 0.5moldm-3 of HCL is diluted by adding 15cm3 of water. This diluted solution is titrated against a 0.3moldm-3 solution of NaOH. What is the volume of the NaOH in cm3 required to reach the endpoint of the titration?


Calcium nitride contains 81.1% by mass of the metal. Calculate the empirical formula of calcium nitride. Show your working.


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