Ethanol and Propane are both colorless organic substances of a similar molar mass with 2 and 3 carbon atoms respectively. However, despite having a longer carbon chain, propane is a gas and ethanol, having less carbon atoms is a liquid at room temperature. What is the reason behind the differences observed

Correct answer: D. Hydrogen bonding between molecules of ethanol

  • A. Ionic bonding in ethanol
  • B. Greater dispersion forces in ethanol
  • C. Dipole forces between the O and H in the ethanol molecule
  • D. Hydrogen bonding between molecules of ethanol

Explanation

The key factor explaining the difference in physical state between ethanol and propane is the presence of hydrogen bonding in ethanol. While propane primarily experiences dispersion forces due to its larger size, ethanol molecules can form hydrogen bonds.Hydrogen bonding is a stronger intermolecular force than dispersion forces, and it contributes to the higher boiling point of ethanol. As a result, ethanol is a liquid at room temperature, while propane, which lacks hydrogen bonding, is a gas.

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