Question

Acetic acid is more volatile than $H_{2}C{O}_3$.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: Volatile is the tendency of a compound or substance to be turned into a vapour easily. The volatility of a compound or substance depends on the strength of the intermolecular forces. The chemical formula of acetic acid is $C{H}_{3}COOH$. Discuss about the bonding of acetic acid and carbonic acid.

Complete step by step solution:
First of all, let us know what intermolecular forces and how intermolecular forces affect the volatility of a substance and then, we will know about what type of intermolecular forces are present in acetic acid and carbonic acid.
So, intermolecular forces are the attractive and repulsive forces that arise between the molecules of a substance. These forces mediate the interactions between individual molecules of a substance. The volatility of a substance depends upon the strength of the intermolecular forces, as these must be overcome in order for the particles to change from liquid state to gaseous state. Higher will be the presence of the intermolecular forces, lower will be the volatility.
Now, let’s see what are the intermolecular forces acetic and carbonic acid has.
In acetic acid (having chemical formula $C{H}_{3}COOH$), it has three types of intermolecular forces that are- hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions and dispersion force. It has an especially strong type of hydrogen bonding. In solid state, the molecules in the acetic acid form cyclic pairs connected by hydrogen bonds. Thus, having a low volatility.
While in carbonic acid (having chemical formula $H_{2}C{O}_3$), the forces which act are London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces and hydrogen bonding (especially weaker one). It will not form any cyclic structures and it has weaker intermolecular forces thus, will be more volatile than acetic acid.
Therefore, the statement given is wrong.

Hence, the correct option is B.

Note: Remember, volatility is due to the tendency to evaporate. So, volatile compounds will be lighter or it will have less intermolecular forces. Less is the intermolecular forces, more volatile will be the substance.