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Which compound has a higher boiling point, ethanol or dimethyl ether? Explain

User Omar Magdy
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Final answer:

Ethanol has a higher boiling point than dimethyl ether due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The compound with a higher boiling point between ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3) is ethanol. The difference lies in the strength of the intermolecular interactions. Ethanol has a higher boiling point because it can form hydrogen bonds between its hydroxyl group and other ethanol molecules while dimethyl ether does not have any hydrogen bonding and relies solely on weaker van der Waals forces.

User Franz Wexler
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