In general, dehydration of an alcohol provides a product that has a lower boilin

ID: 554613 • Letter: I

Question

In general, dehydration of an alcohol provides a product that has a lower boiling point than the alcohol reactant. Why? Check all valid reasons.

1. dehydration lowers the atmospheric humidity, and thus promotes evaporation

2. the intermolecular forces holding alcohol molecules together are stronger, primarily because of dispersion forces

3. the intermolecular forces holding alcohol molecules together are stronger, primarily because of hydrogen bonding

4. the product alkene has a lower molecular weight than the reactant alcohol

On dehydration of alcohol, alkene is formed. 2, 3 and 4 are all the valid reasons.

2) Obviously dispersion forces are there, as alcohol is a polar molecule.

3) Hydrogen bonding is also there, Between O and H

4) Indeed the alkene weigh less than the alcohol.

So, all three reasons are valid.