Why do compounds with strong intermolecular attractive forces have higher boiling points than compounds with weak intermolecular attractive forces?
1 Answer
Dec 26, 2017
Well what is the definition of boiling point?
Explanation:
The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapour pressure of the solution or solvent becomes equal to the ambient pressure, and bubbles of vapour form directly in the liquid. The normal boiling point is specified when the ambient pressure (and also the vapour pressure of the boiling liquid) is ONE atmosphere.
And so where strong intermolecular forces of attraction operate, for instance in hydrogen-bonded liquids, boiling point should be elevated. More energy has to be put into the system to disrupt the intermolecular force. And the best indicator of intermolecular or inter-particle force is boiling point.
