Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Question:

Assertion: The boiling point of ethers is lower than that of the alcohols even if they have the same molecular masses.

Reason: The large difference in boiling points of alcohols and ethers is due to the presence of hydrogen bonding in alcohols. 

Options:

Both assertion and reason are incorrect 

The assertion is correct but the reason is incorrect 

Both assertion and reason are correct 

The reason is correct but the  assertion is incorrect 

Correct Answer:

Both assertion and reason are correct 

Explanation:

The C-O bonds in ethers are polar and thus, ethers have a net dipole moment. The weak polarity of ethers do not appreciably affect their boiling points which are comparable to those of the alkanes of comparable molecular masses but are much lower than the boiling points of alcohols. The large difference in boiling points of alcohols and ethers is due to the presence of hydrogen bonding in alcohols.