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Chapter 3: Problem 108

Section 2.9 introduced the idea of structural isomerism, with 1-propanol and 2 -propanol as examples. Determine which of these properties would distinguish these two substances: (a) boiling point; (b) combustion analysis results; (c) molecular weight; (d) density at a given temperature and pressure. You can check on the properties of these two compounds in Wolfram Alpha (http://www.wolframalpha.com/) or the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The properties that can distinguish between 1-propanol and 2-propanol are boiling point and density at a given temperature and pressure. The boiling points of 1-propanol and 2-propanol are 370.8 K (97.2°C) and 355.4 K (82.4°C), respectively. The densities of 1-propanol and 2-propanol at 20°C are 0.803 g/mL and 0.785 g/mL, respectively. Combustion analysis results and molecular weight cannot be used to differentiate the two isomers as they have the same molecular formula (C3H8O) and molecular weight (60.1 g/mol).

Step by step solution

01

Structural Formulae of 1-Propanol and 2-Propanol

Firstly, we need to know the structural formulae of both isomers of propanol. The structural formula represents the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. 1-Propanol: CH3─CH2─CH2─OH 2-Propanol: CH3─CH(OH)─CH3 Now that we know the structure of both isomers, we can analyze each property to determine if it can distinguish between the two isomers.
02

Boiling Point

The boiling point of a substance depends on the intermolecular forces between its molecules. These forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and van der Waals forces. For 1-propanol and 2-propanol, both exhibit hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the -OH group. However, their boiling points may differ due to the difference in molecular structure, and hence, the geometry of the hydrogen bonding. Using the given resources, we can find the boiling points: - 1-Propanol: 370.8 K (97.2°C) - 2-Propanol: 355.4 K (82.4°C) Since the boiling points are different, this property can be used to distinguish between 1-propanol and 2-propanol.
03

Combustion Analysis Results

Combustion analysis results give us information about the amount of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen present in a molecule when it is combusted. Since 1-propanol and 2-propanol are structural isomers, they have the same molecular formula (C3H8O). Hence, when combusted, they would produce the same amounts of CO2 and H2O. Therefore, combustion analysis results will not distinguish between these two substances.
04

Molecular Weight

The molecular weight of a substance is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in its molecule. Since 1-propanol and 2-propanol are structural isomers, they both have the same molecular formula (C3H8O) and therefore, the same molecular weight (60.1 g/mol). Thus, molecular weight cannot be used to distinguish between the two isomers.
05

Density at a Given Temperature and Pressure

Density is the mass of a substance divided by its volume. Since 1-propanol and 2-propanol have different molecular structures and packing arrangements, their densities at the same temperature and pressure can be different. Using the resources provided, we can find the densities: - 1-Propanol: 0.803 g/mL at 20°C - 2-Propanol: 0.785 g/mL at 20°C Different densities can be used to distinguish between the two isomers at a given temperature and pressure. In summary, boiling point and density at a given temperature and pressure can distinguish between 1-propanol and 2-propanol, while combustion analysis results and molecular weight cannot.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The allowable concentration level of vinyl chloride, \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{Cl},\) in the atmosphere in a chemical plant is \(2.0 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{L}\). How many moles of vinyl chloride in each liter does this represent? How many molecules per liter?

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