Order the following in terms of boiling point and explain your reasoning: Ethanol, Ethane, Propane

All three molecules have induced dipole-dipole interactions. Propane has a higher boiling point than ethane as propane has a higher molecular mass. This means there are more electrons present and the induced dipole-dipole interactions is stronger. Ethanol has the highest boiling point as it forms induced dipole-dipole interactions, permanent dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are able to form due to the presence of a highly electronegative 'NOF' atom. Hydrogen bonds are the strongest intermolecular force of attraction.The stronger the bonds the more energy required to overcome the intermolecular interactions, hence the higher the boiling point. From highest to lowest the order is: ethanol, propane, ethane.

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Answered by Lucy C. Chemistry tutor

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