A molecule of CHCl3 (chloroform), has the same shape as a molecule of carbon tetrahydride, CH4. But carbon tetrahydride’s boiling point is -164º C and chloroform’s boiling point is 62 ºC. Explain the difference between the boiling points of the two substances.

Question

A molecule of CHCl3 (chloroform), has the same shape as a molecule of carbon tetrahydride, CH4.  But carbon tetrahydride’s boiling point is -164º C and chloroform’s boiling point is 62 ºC.  Explain the difference between the boiling points of the two substances.

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DrBob222 · Accepted Answer

When I was in school the explanation was that the molar mass of CCl4 was so much higher and boiling points generally increas with increasing molar mass. I think the modern answer is intermolecular forces. In this case the dispersion forces for CCl4 are higher for CCl4 than for CH4 (more electrons in CCl4).