Which compound is most likely to be a gas at room temperature? Explain.
A.propane
B.2-chloropropane
C.propanal
D.propanone
alkanes natural property
Propanal
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To determine which compound is most likely to be a gas at room temperature, we need to consider the properties of the compounds and their molecular structures.
The molecular formula of propane (A) is C3H8, while the molecular formula of 2-chloropropane (B) is C3H7Cl, propanal (C) is C3H6O, and propanone (D) is C3H6O.
Propane (A) is an alkane with three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. It is a linear molecule with a symmetrical structure, meaning that its atoms are evenly distributed around the central carbon atoms. This symmetry allows for relatively weak intermolecular forces, leading to a low boiling point. As a result, propane is a gas at room temperature.
2-chloropropane (B) is an alkyl halide with a chlorine atom attached to a carbon atom in the propane chain. The presence of the chlorine atom increases the intermolecular forces, resulting in a higher boiling point than propane. However, it still has a low boiling point compared to compounds such as alcohols or acids, so it is also likely to be a gas at room temperature.
Propanal (C) and propanone (D) are both ketones - organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group (C=O). Propanal contains an aldehyde group (-CHO), and propanone contains a ketone group (-C=O). The presence of the carbonyl group in these compounds increases the polarity and intermolecular forces, resulting in higher boiling points than propane or 2-chloropropane. Hence, propanal and propanone are more likely to be liquids at room temperature rather than gases.
In conclusion, among the given compounds, propane (A) and 2-chloropropane (B) are most likely to be gases at room temperature due to their relatively low boiling points compared to propanal (C) and propanone (D).