Question

Nonane and 2,3,4-trifluoropentane have almost identical molar masses, but nonane has a significantly higher boiling point. Which of the following statements best helps explain this observation?

a. The C−F bond is easier to break than the C−H bond.
b. The C−F bond is more polar than the C−H bond
c. The carbon chains are longer in nonane than the are in 2,3,4-trifluoropentane.
d. The carbon chains are farther apart in a sample of nonane than they are in
2,3,4-trifluoropentane.

Answer 1

Nonane has a higher boiling point compared to 2,3,4-trifluoropentane because nonane has longer carbon chains, which results in stronger London dispersion forces.

Step-by-step explanation:

The boiling point of a compound is influenced by its intermolecular forces. Nonane has a higher boiling point compared to 2,3,4-trifluoropentane because nonane has longer carbon chains, which results in stronger London dispersion forces. The larger the molecule, the larger the dispersion forces and the higher the boiling point. In contrast, the presence of fluorine in 2,3,4-trifluoropentane does not significantly affect the boiling point due to the nonpolar nature of the molecule.