Question

Will propylene glycol/motor oil mix cause engine failure like ethylene glycol/motor oil? What did the experiment involving boiling both mixtures reveal?

a) Yes, propylene glycol coagulates motor oil
b) No, propylene glycol does not affect motor oil
c) Both mixtures coagulate motor oil
d) Only ethylene glycol affects motor oil

Answer 1

Motor oil is a nonpolar liquid consisting largely of hydrocarbon chains. Propylene glycol, a covalent compound, is used in radiator fluid as an antifreeze and does not cause engine failure when mixed with motor oil.

Step-by-step explanation:

Motor oil is a nonpolar liquid consisting largely of hydrocarbon chains.

The cohesive forces responsible for its high boiling point are almost solely London dispersion forces between the hydrocarbon chains.

Propylene glycol (CH2CH(OH)CH2OH) is a covalent compound often used in radiator fluid as an antifreeze. It lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of the fluid.

It is miscible with motor oil and does not cause engine failure when mixed.