
Why is the boiling point of alcohol greater than that of ketones and aldehydes?
Answer
411.6k+ views
1 likes
Hint: The bond which is formed in a molecule between hydrogen atom and electronegative atom is considered as hydrogen bonding which is of two types: intermolecular hydrogen bonding and intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
Complete answer:
Alcohol is a hydroxyl group containing compounds which shows various similarities as well as differences with carbonyl compounds like aldehydes and ketones.
As we know aldehyde and ketones are polar compounds and they have sufficient intermolecular dipole-dipole interaction. This interaction is formed between the carbonyl groups of two molecules of aldehyde and ketones.
From the above diagram we see that dipole interaction is formed between two different molecules of aldehyde and ketone; they form intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
Alcohols are polar compounds due to the presence of hydroxyl groups and they have sufficient intermolecular interaction. The strength of dipole-dipole interaction is higher in the case of alcohol due to the large difference between electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms .
Due to high dipole-dipole interaction, molecules of alcohol are capable of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and exist as associated molecules.
This associated molecule requires a large amount of energy to break the hydrogen bond which is formed in the molecule network therefore, the melting point of the alcohol molecule is high.
The boiling point of alcohol is greater than that of ketones and aldehydes due to stronger hydrogen bonding.
Note:
Alkanals synonym is used for aldehyde while alkenones is used for ketones. Boiling point of alcohol is higher than ether molecules with the same molecular masses. Boiling point of aldehyde and ketone is also less than carboxylic acid.
Complete answer:
Alcohol is a hydroxyl group containing compounds which shows various similarities as well as differences with carbonyl compounds like aldehydes and ketones.
As we know aldehyde and ketones are polar compounds and they have sufficient intermolecular dipole-dipole interaction. This interaction is formed between the carbonyl groups

From the above diagram we see that dipole interaction is formed between two different molecules of aldehyde and ketone; they form intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
Alcohols are polar compounds due to the presence of hydroxyl groups and they have sufficient intermolecular interaction. The strength of dipole-dipole interaction is higher in the case of alcohol due to the large difference between electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms

Due to high dipole-dipole interaction, molecules of alcohol are capable of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and exist as associated molecules.
This associated molecule requires a large amount of energy to break the hydrogen bond which is formed in the molecule network therefore, the melting point of the alcohol molecule is high.
Note:
Alkanals synonym is used for aldehyde while alkenones is used for ketones. Boiling point of alcohol is higher than ether molecules with the same molecular masses. Boiling point of aldehyde and ketone is also less than carboxylic acid.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 8 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 8 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹45,300 per year
EMI starts from ₹3,775 per month
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 11 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Trending doubts
Explain why it is said like that Mock drill is use class 11 social science CBSE

The non protein part of an enzyme is a A Prosthetic class 11 biology CBSE

Which of the following blood vessels in the circulatory class 11 biology CBSE

What is a zygomorphic flower Give example class 11 biology CBSE

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

The deoxygenated blood from the hind limbs of the frog class 11 biology CBSE
