Why is the boiling point of $\ce{CH3COOH}$ higher than that of $\ce{C2H5OH}$ ? Both are polar molecules held by hydrogen bond.
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$\begingroup$ CH3COOH is more polar. $\endgroup$– Ivan NeretinCommented Dec 30, 2015 at 8:32
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$\begingroup$ Related: How to rationalise the difference in the melting points of acids and alcohols with inter molecular forces? $\endgroup$– user7951Commented Dec 30, 2015 at 12:58
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1 Answer
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Yes you are correct. The molecules are polar in nature and are bound by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. But you must pay attention to the extent of polarization in both the molecules. Consider the alcohol. Here the carbon bearing the $\ce{-OH}$ group is the only polarizing group present. But for $\ce{CH3COOH}$ , the carbonyl carbon is polarized by an $\ce{-OH}$ group as well an $\ce{=O}$ group attached to it, thus increasing its effective polarization more than the alcohol. Therefore $\ce{CH3COOH}$ has greater boiling point.
answered Dec 30, 2015 at 10:28