Two constitutional isomers with the molecular formula C2H6O are shown below using condensed structural formulas.
• Compound A: CH3–CH2–OH
• Compound B: CH3–O–CH3
At standard atmospheric pressure, Compound A boils at 65∘C whereas Compound B boils at –24∘C.
(1) Identify the most significant type of intermolecular attraction that operates between molecules of (i) Compound A and (ii) Compound B in the liquid phase.
(2) Describe, in terms of molecular structure and electron distribution, why the dominant intermolecular attraction you named in part (a)(i) is stronger than the one you named in part (a)(ii).
(3) Using your reasoning from part (b), explain the nearly 90∘C difference in the boiling points of the two compounds.