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Chapter 19: Problem 18

Explain why the properties of butane differ from those of butanol.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Butane and butanol differ in their structures; butane is a nonpolar hydrocarbon with a low boiling point and no water solubility, while butanol has an OH group, making it polar, with a higher boiling point and water solubility. These differences arise from their different functional groups.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the structures of butane and butanol

Butane is a hydrocarbon with four carbon atoms in a straight chain, while butanol is a four-carbon chain with a hydroxyl (OH) functional group attached. Butane's formula is \(C_4H_{10}\) and butanol's formula is \(C_4H_{10}O\).
02

Discuss the properties of butane

Butane is a nonpolar molecule and is only held together by weak van der Waals forces. This gives it a relatively low boiling point. It is not soluble in water and is less dense than water.
03

Discuss the properties of butanol

Butanol, on the other hand, has a hydroxyl group making it polar. Because of this, it can form hydrogen bonds which are stronger than van der Waals forces, leading to a higher boiling point compared to butane. The presence of the polar OH group also means that butanol is at least partially soluble in water.
04

Compare the properties of butane and butanol

So, in summary, the presence of the OH group in butanol gives it a higher boiling point and makes it soluble in water, while butane, lacking this group, has a lower boiling point and is not soluble in water. These differences in properties can be largely attributed to their disparate molecular structures.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain the connection between the strength of the carbon-carbon single bond and the ability of carbon to be the basis of large molecules.

a. Determine the percentage composition by weight of hexane, \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{14}\) b. Using the charts to the right as a model, make a pie chart for hexane using a protractor to draw the correct sizes of the pie slices. (Hint: A circle has \(360^{\circ} .\) To draw the correct angle for each slice, multiply each percentage by \(360^{\circ} . )\)

Draw the structural formulas for each of the following compounds. $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. } 1,4 \text { -dichlorohexane }} \\ {\text { b. } 2 \text { -bromo- }-4 \text { -chloroheptane }}\end{array}$$

How does a skeletal structure differ from a structural formula? How are they the same?

If an element exists in more than one bonding pattern, what term is used for each of these forms?
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