Why are the boiling points of ethers similar to those of alkanes instead of alcohols?
A) Both ether molecules and alkane molecules are polar, whereas alcohol molecules are nonpolar.
B) Hydrogen bonding between ether molecules is strong and this property is similar to that of alkanes. However, hydrogen bonding is weaker in alcohols than it is in both ethers and alkanes.
C) Although ether molecules are polar, they cannot form hydrogen bonds with other ether molecules. Similarly, alkane molecules do not form hydrogen bonds, whereas there is hydrogen bonding in alcohols.
D) None of these are correct explanations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ether molecules cannot form hydrogen bonds with other ether molecules, which is similar to alkanes. Alcohols have stronger intermolecular forces due to hydrogen bonding, making their boiling points higher than both ethers and alkanes.

Why Are the Boiling Points of Ethers Similar to Those