Question

The boiling point of water is 100 degrees C. The boiling point of hydrogen peroxide is about 150 degrees C. Does this make sense. Why or why not

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Answered by GPT-4o mini
Yes, it makes sense that hydrogen peroxide has a higher boiling point than water, and this can be explained by looking at the molecular structure and intermolecular forces of the two substances.

1. **Molecular Weight**: Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has a higher molecular weight (approximately 34 g/mol) compared to water (H₂O), which has a molecular weight of about 18 g/mol. Generally, compounds with greater molecular weights tend to have higher boiling points due to increased van der Waals (dispersion) forces.

2. **Molecular Structure**: The molecular structure of hydrogen peroxide allows for more extensive hydrogen bonding compared to water. Although water already exhibits strong hydrogen bonding due to its polar -OH groups, hydrogen peroxide has additional oxygen atoms which can also form hydrogen bonds. This increases the overall intermolecular forces that must be overcome for the substance to boil.

3. **Intermolecular Forces**: Both water and hydrogen peroxide experience hydrogen bonding, but hydrogen peroxide has a larger number of potential hydrogen-bonding interactions which contributes to a higher boiling point.

In summary, the higher boiling point of hydrogen peroxide compared to water is consistent with principles of chemistry related to molecular weight and intermolecular forces.

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