Volatility of aldehydes and ketones

[RCB]

Homework Statement

why aldehydes more volatile than ketones

Homework Equations

NONE

The Attempt at a Solution

I would have presumed that as BOTH contain the same C=O group the overall polarity of the molecule would be the same. hence the strength of the dipole forces should be the same
As they have the same no. of electrons so London forces are the same

their surface area's are the same so there should be no difference in surface contact??

what causes the slight difference (It is only a slight difference!)

 

[epenguin]

For a moment you had me worried - I didn't realize they were.

But as you say, only slightly, so that's OK.

I guess in a ketone there are two inductive pushes to polarise the C=O and just one in an aldehyde. You could also think about these factors in connection with a possible role of keto-enol tautomerism, I do not actually know the answer but that could start you looking into things.

 

[RCB]

ye I figured.
given you didn't know it happened how could you know why
never mind!