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Between CH3CH2OH and HCOOH, which has the higher boiling point? Explain why in less than 80 words

User Baadshah
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1 Answer

7 votes

Answer:

HCOOH

Step-by-step explanation:

HCOOH ( Formic Acid ) has higher boiling point than CH₃CH₂OH ( Ethanol ) .

Both the compounds have same molecular mass and should have similar boiling point too , but , Formic acid have higher boiling point than ethanol .

Since , Both formic acid and ethanol can form hydrogen bonds and now the strength of hydrogen bond will help to determine their boiling point .

Considering the case of ethanol , the hydrogen bond formed is weak due to lesser polarity of -OH while in case of Formic Acid , the - COOH provides more polarity due to the resonance stabilisation . Hence the boiling point of Formic Acid is more as it forms stronger Hydrogen Bond.

User AndersDaniel
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