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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: hellfirecobra on September 15, 2009, 10:45:25 PM

Title: Cycloalkanes and alkanes boiling points
Post by: hellfirecobra on September 15, 2009, 10:45:25 PM

Ok, so I did an experiment with the boiling points of hexane (my unknown compound that I found the boiling point to match up with hexane, lol) and my known compound cyclohexane, as well as a few others.  What I can't find out is why the boiling point is higher for the cyclohexane compared to the regular hexane as far as intermolecular forces are concerned explaining why cycloalkanes have stronger intermolecular forces.  Who has an explanation?  I can't find information anywhere.  *delete me*!!  lol

Title: Re: Cycloalkanes and alkanes boiling points
Post by: UG on September 18, 2009, 01:18:06 AM

Quote from: hellfirecobra on September 15, 2009, 10:45:25 PM

I can't find information anywhere.  

Quote

Cycloalkanes are similar to alkanes in their general physical properties, but they have higher boiling points, melting points, and densities than alkanes. This is due to stronger London forces because the ring shape allows for a larger area of contact. Containing only C-C and C-H bonds, unreactivity of cycloalkanes with little or no ring strain (see below) are comparable to non-cyclic alkanes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycloalkane#Properties