Skip to main content
Ch.3 - Structure and Stereochemistry of Alkanes
Wade - Organic Chemistry 9th Edition
Wade9th EditionOrganic ChemistryISBN: 9780135213728Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 3, Problema 10a

List each set of compounds in order of increasing boiling point.
a. hexane, octane, and decane

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
Understand that boiling point is influenced by molecular weight and intermolecular forces. In alkanes, as the molecular weight increases, the boiling point generally increases due to stronger van der Waals forces.
Identify the molecular formula for each compound: hexane (C₆H₁₄), octane (C₈H₁₈), and decane (C₁₀H₂₂).
Recognize that these compounds are all alkanes, which are nonpolar and primarily exhibit van der Waals forces. The longer the carbon chain, the greater the surface area for these forces, leading to a higher boiling point.
Compare the molecular weights: hexane has the lowest molecular weight, followed by octane, and then decane, which has the highest molecular weight.
Arrange the compounds in order of increasing boiling point based on their molecular weights: hexane < octane < decane.

Risposta video verificata per un problema simile:

Questa soluzione video è stata consigliata dai nostri tutor come utile per risolvere questo problema.
Durata del video:
2m

Concetti chiave

Ecco i concetti essenziali che devi comprendere per rispondere correttamente alla domanda.

Boiling Point

Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance transitions from a liquid to a gas. It is influenced by molecular weight, intermolecular forces, and molecular structure. In organic compounds, longer carbon chains typically result in higher boiling points due to increased van der Waals forces.
Video consigliato:
03:08
How IMFs are related to melting and boiling points.

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the forces that hold molecules together, affecting properties like boiling point. In hydrocarbons, van der Waals forces (dispersion forces) are predominant. These forces increase with molecular size, leading to higher boiling points for larger molecules.
Video consigliato:
03:01
How Van der Waals forces work.

Molecular Size and Structure

Molecular size and structure significantly impact boiling points. In alkanes, as the number of carbon atoms increases, the molecular size grows, enhancing van der Waals forces. Thus, among hexane, octane, and decane, decane has the highest boiling point due to its larger size.
Video consigliato:
08:41
Review of Molecular Orbitals