1-Butanol (CH CH CH CH OH) has a significantly higher melting point than its…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
1-Butanol (CH3CH2CH2CH2OH) has a significantly higher melting point than its constitutional isomer diethyl ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH3). Which statement best explains this observation?
(a) Diethyl ether is branched, decreasing its surface area and lowering its melting point relative to the linear 1-butanol.
(b) 1-Butanol has a larger molar mass than diethyl ether, resulting in stronger London dispersion forces and a higher melting point.
(c) 1-Butanol forms extensive hydrogen bonds between molecules, whereas diethyl ether cannot donate hydrogen bonds.
(d) Diethyl ether is more polar than 1-butanol, so its molecules repel one another more strongly, leading to a lower melting point.