There are two isomers that have the molecular formula, #C_2H_6O#. One isomer boils at 23.7 degrees C while the other boils at 78.4 degrees C. How do you draw the structure of each isomer? What is the IUPAC name for each one?

Question

2558 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License

Answer 1 · 2017-01-07T17:44:41

Well, one isomer is #"H"_3"CCH"_2"OH"#, #"ethanol"#, or #"ethyl alcohol"#.

And t'other is #"H"_3"COCH"_3#, #"dimethyl ether"#, or (I think) the approved IUPAC name is #"methoxymethane"#.

Why do you think the ether is so much more volatile than the alcohol?