Why is the melting point of CO_2 higher than CH_3OH? Wouldn't the melting point of methanol be greater because of the hydrogen bond?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 26, 2017

Carbon dioxide sublimes at -78.5 ""^@C......

Explanation:

The normal melting point of methanol is -97.6 ""^@C.

But here, clearly, we compare apples and oranges, by comparing a melting point, a transition from solid to liquid, to a sublimation point, a transition from solid to gas. On the other hand, the normal boiling point of methanol +64.7 ""^@C, and this indicates some considerable degree of intermolecular interaction.

The GREATER involatility of methanol may be attributed to intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which is a potent intermolecular force. The hydrogen bond may be maintained upon melting.

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