Which should have the higher boiling point, ethanol (CH3 CH2 OH., found in alcoholic beverages)

step 1 So in this problem, we're going to compare ethanol and ethane ethyol. So which one has the highe

Which should have the higher boiling point, ethanol (CH3 CH2...

Which should have the higher boiling point, ethanol $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}\right.$, found in alcoholic beverages) or ethanethiol $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{SH}\right.$, a foul-smelling liquid found in the urine of rabbits that have feasted on cabbage)?

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Key Concepts

Functional Group Effects

Different functional groups impart varying abilities to engage in intermolecular interactions. Groups containing oxygen, for example, often support robust hydrogen bonding, whereas groups with less electronegative atoms may form weaker interactions. This difference in interaction capability directly affects properties such as boiling point.

Boiling Point

The boiling point is the temperature at which a substance transitions from the liquid phase to the gas phase. It is largely determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces present; stronger forces require more energy (and thus higher temperature) to overcome.

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces, including hydrogen bonding, dipole–dipole interactions, and van der Waals forces, are the attractions between molecules. The overall strength and type of these forces greatly influence physical properties such as boiling point.

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding is a specific, strong type of dipole–dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. This bonding significantly raises the boiling point because it creates stronger attractions between molecules.

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