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plz help me with this question

Submitted by Zo1db3rg the st00ge on 19 May 2005 - 4:14am.

hey ppl, i really need help with this question... does anybody know the answer?

Ethanoic acid and methyl formate are structural isomers. one has a boiling point of 32 degrees C and the other has a boiling point of 118 degrees C. Which compound is which? Explain.

So far i know that Ethanoic acid has the BP of 118 degrees C and therefore methyl methanoate has a BP of 32 degrees C. I just can't explain it though. Can anybody explain it?

Thanks :P

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allan_chemist's picture

Submitted by allan_chemist on 19 May 2005 - 12:00pm.

Draw out the structures.
Ethanoic acid has an Alcohol group, and can therefore undergo hydrogen bonding. Methyl formate cannot.

'tis the same argument for why Water has such a high boiling point.

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