Question

For the organic compound "Vanillin" (C8H8O3):
1) If the standard state is a "solid" EXPLAIN why Vanillin starts out as a solid?
2) If the vapor pressure for Vanillin is: 1.18X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C. Would you consider it to have a "high" or "low" vapor pressure? (explain your reasoning).
3) If the melting point for Vanillin is: 81 C (178 F, 354 K) to 83 C (181 F, 356 K) and Boiling Point is: 285 C (545 F, 558 K). Would you consider it to have a "high" or "low"? (explain your reasoning).

Answer 1

1. With a melting point of 81 C and room termperature being about 25 C, why wouldn't the "standard" state be a solid?
2. I looked up the vapor pressure of naphthalene @ 27 C (a little above room temperature pf 25 C) and found it to be 0.0945 mm Hg. We know naphthalene "smells" to high heaven. So if this solid has a vapor pressure of 0.000118 mm Hg, which is about 1000 times less than that of naphthalene, I would not consider that to be high but I suppose high vs low is relative and depends upon the observer.
3. I don't get #3. high or low what?