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Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH, MW 46) has bp 351 K, whereas methoxymethane (CH₃-O-CH₃, MW 46) has bp 248 K. The huge difference is because:
AThey have different molecular masses
BMethoxymethane has a polar bond and ethanol does not
CEthanol forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds via -OH; ethers cannot (no -OH for H-bond donation)
DEthanol has more carbon atoms
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Ethanol forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds via -OH; ethers cannot (no -OH for H-bond donation)
**Same MW (46) but bp differs by ~100 K** because: **alcohols H-bond intermolecularly via -OH** (high bp); ethers can only accept H-bonds (no donor H on O) → much weaker intermolecular forces. Hydrocarbons of the same MW boil even lower (propane MW 44, bp 231 K).
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