2
$\begingroup$

Is it possible to have Melting point different that Freezing point

I mean is there any element/molecule in the liquid status that freeze at point X Centigrade but when it become solid then you need a higher temperature to become liquid again like X + Y degrees in the same conditions?

enter image description here

$\endgroup$
3

2 Answers 2

3
$\begingroup$

That's very common, actually.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymorphism_(materials_science)#Ostwald's_rule

A substance melts, but the recrystallisation from the iostropic melt can be kinetically inhibited. If you cool further down, a less stable form of the same substance, with lower melting point, can crystallise, and re-form over time, into the original phase.

This (according to Ostwalds rule) happens practically every time a suitable, less stable polymorph exists. Or let's say there is a general tendency for it to happen.

Another, very common example (to which Ostwalds rule also loosely applies) are polymers. Because of their chain structure, crystallisation (if possible at all) is much inhibited, and usually never occurs until you cool a good ten K or so below the equillibrium melting point.

$\endgroup$
2
$\begingroup$

Sulfur is such a substance. At room temperature, it is made of stacked up $\ce{S8}$ octogonal molecules. It melts at $119$°C producing a yellow liquid made of free moving octogonal molecules.

When heated in a test tube to $160$°C, the yellow liquid turns reddish : the octogones are suddenly broken : the liquid is then made of open $\ce{S8}$ chains, that are starting polymerization. At $187$°C, the liquid is brown and suddenly so viscous that the test tube can be turned upside down : the liquid will not flow and get out of the tube. The stuff is made of a polymer containing long chains of up to $20'000$ $\ce{S}$ atoms.

When heated to about $240$°C, the polymerized stuff is dark brown and is melting again. The brown liquid can then be dropped directly into a big beaker filled with water. The brown and cold sulfur falls down to the bottom of the beaker. It is soft and can be easily picked up and even kneaded by the fingers without difficulty. At the points of kneading, the polymer chains are broken into 8-atomic segments that are quickly transformed into octogones : the stuff becomes yellow and hard at these points. It is one of the rare cases where chemistry can be modified by hand.

I am a high school teacher. This demonstration has been carried out by more than $3000$ children and students, without any problems. They all love this demonstration. So do I.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.