Final answer:
True, the viscosity of acetone is indeed lower than the viscosity of propanol. This is due to the weaker intermolecular forces in acetone, which lacks hydrogen bonds, compared to propanol that can form stronger hydrogen bonds, thus increasing its viscosity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the viscosity of acetone is lower than the viscosity of propanol is true. Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow and is influenced by the intermolecular forces present within the fluid. Acetone (Propan-1-one, C3H6O), which has a polar carbonyl group and lacks hydrogen-bonding ability, will have lower viscosity compared to propanol, which contains a hydroxyl group capable of forming stronger hydrogen bonds. The presence of this hydroxyl group allows propanol to have more significant intermolecular attractions, leading to a higher resistance to flow, or higher viscosity.
Introducing additional hydroxyl groups into a molecule generally increases viscosity due to the increased potential for hydrogen bonding, as seen with the relationship between ethanol and ethylene glycol. Therefore, given acetone's lack of hydrogen bonding compared to alcohols like propanol, its viscosity is indeed lower.