Comparing Boiling Points of Methanal & Ethanal

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SUMMARY

The boiling point of methanal (CH2O) is -21 degrees Celsius, while ethanal (CH3CHO) has a boiling point of +21 degrees Celsius. The primary reason for this significant difference is hydrogen bonding, which is the strongest intermolecular force affecting these compounds. Additionally, the molecular mass and the stability of the enolate formed by ethanal contribute to its higher boiling point. The discussion emphasizes that hydrogen bonding is the dominant factor in determining the boiling points of these aldehydes.

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  • Understanding of molecular structure and functional groups
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  • Familiarity with boiling point concepts in organic chemistry
  • Basic principles of enolate stability in organic reactions
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Why is there a difference in boiling points between methanal (CH2O) which is -21degrees Celsius and ethanal (CH3CHO) which is +21degrees Celsius?
 
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iluvchem09 said:
Why is there a difference in boiling points between methanal (CH2O) which is -21degrees Celsius and ethanal (CH3CHO) which is +21degrees Celsius?
I would expect the difference molecular mass has something to do with it.
 
I was researching it, and came up with mass, hydrogen bond with oxygen, and electrostatic attraction between molecules. What do you think would be the #1 reason?
 
Hydrogen bonding. It's by far the strongest of the mentioned effects.

Also, ethanal forms a more stable enolate.
 

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