Which compound shows the highest melting point:
Correct answer: B. Propanoic acid
- A. water
- B. Propanoic acid
- C. Methanoic acid
- D. Ethanoic acid
Explanation
Though methanoic acid and ethanoic acid both form strong hydrogen bonds and exist as dimers in the solid state, ethanoic acid has better packing efficiency and stronger van der Waals interactions due to its larger size, resulting in a higher melting point.Water, despite strong hydrogen bonding, is much lighter and has a less organized solid lattice.Propanoic acid has a much lower melting point due to asymmetric structure, which hinders crystal packing.
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About Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids are named and studied through the combined effects of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, their preparation, acidity and hydrogen bonding. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, reduction and conversion into acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides, with emphasis on how these derivatives interconvert.
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