Property of Alcohol Question

[jessecounter]

In a lab we are doing, we are asked the question: Did the “position” of the hydroxyl group on the alcohol given the same carbon chain length, affect the physical properties of boiling point, melting point, and solubility? If so, how? Explain the observations and results using intermolecular forces and the properties discussed in class.

We used 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. It is obvious that the position of the hydroxy (OH) group did affect things, as 1-propanol had a boiling point of 97 and melting of -126, whereas 2-propanol had a boiling of 82 and melting of -89. Would someone be able to explain to be in terms of intermolecular forces why the properties change? and if theres a way to tell if 1,2 butanol and 1,2 propanol mix with water and cyclohexane?

[Sam]

In a lab we are doing, we are asked the question: Did the “position” of the hydroxyl group on the alcohol given the same carbon chain length, affect the physical properties of boiling point, melting point, and solubility? If so, how? Explain the observations and results using intermolecular forces and the properties discussed in class.

We used 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. It is obvious that the position of the hydroxy (OH) group did affect things, as 1-propanol had a boiling point of 97 and melting of -126, whereas 2-propanol had a boiling of 82 and melting of -89. Would someone be able to explain to be in terms of intermolecular forces why the properties change? and if theres a way to tell if 1,2 butanol and 1,2 propanol mix with water and cyclohexane?

2-propanol is a more compact molecule than 1-propanol, hense dispersion interactions is less and boiling point temperature is less.
The solubility of 2-propanol should be bigger as well because of it's smaller molecular surface (it can be easier encapsulated by water molecules).