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CHM 102 Practice Questions Objective Question
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Question

Why do alcohols have boiling points much higher than hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight?
Options
A Alcohols have greater van der Waals attraction forces.
B Alcohol molecules have greater molecular symmetry.
C Hydrogen bonds must be broken in the process of volatilization.
Correct Answer
D Alcohols must overcome greater ionic forces in the process of volatilization.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Alcohols have significantly higher boiling points than hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight because of hydrogen bonding. Strong hydrogen bonds between alcohol molecules must be broken for the liquid to vaporize, requiring more energy.

Hint

What intermolecular force is responsible for the high boiling points of alcohols?

Question Info

Course: CHM 102
Topic: Practice Questions
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 1257 of 1999
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