At room temperature and pressure, the first 4 alkanes are all gases, but the first 4 alcohols are all liquids. Explain this.

Alkanes are non-polar so only have London forces between them. These intermolecular bonds are weak, and easily overcome with little energy. This means that alkanes have a low boiling point hence they are gases at room temperature. Alcohols also have London forces between them, but they also have hydrogen bonds between them due to the highly electronegative oxygen atom attached to a hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group. This means more energy is required to overcome the intermolecular forces between alcohols, hence they have a higher boiling point than alkanes, and are typically liquids at room temperature.

AE
Answered by Ayolola E. Chemistry tutor

14605 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

(See word doc for complete info) An experiment is carried out whereby the decomposition of hydrogen iodide is observed. Given the equilibrium compositions of each species, calculate the initial mass of hydrogen iodide.


Calculate the standard enthalpy of combustion of a methane sample by using the standard enthalpies of formation.


What is the meaning of the term 'structural isomers'?


Alcohol A has the chemical formula CH3CH(OH)CH2CH(CH3)CH3 . Give the IUPAC name for alcohol A.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences