has the strongest intermolecular force of attraction among the given options. This is because it has the longest carbon chain, which creates stronger dispersion forces (also known as van der Waals forces) in addition to the hydrogen bonding present in alcohols. The more carbons in the chain, the larger the molecule, and the stronger the dispersion forces between the molecules.
Methanol has the weakest intermolecular force of attraction among alcohols. This is because it has the shortest carbon chain (only one carbon) and thus weaker dispersion forces. However, it's important to note that alcohols generally have stronger intermolecular forces of attraction compared to non-alcohols, such as n-pentane and n-hexane, due to the presence of hydrogen bonding.
Since n-pentane and n-hexane lack hydrogen bonding, they will have weaker intermolecular forces compared to the alcohols. Among these two, n-pentane would have the weakest intermolecular force of attraction due to its shorter carbon chain and weaker dispersion forces compared to n-hexane.
Which alcohol has the strongest intermolecular force of attraction? The weakest? Explain.
A. 1-Propanol
B. 1-Butanol
C. n-pentane
D. n-hexane
E. methanol
F. ethanol
We shall be happy to critique your thinking. Hint: look at the hydrogen bonding from the alcohols (and hydrogen bonding isn't present in n-pentane and n-hexane.)
butanol
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