05. Physical properties

What do the physical properties always relate to?

The intermolecular forces (VDW, Hydrogen bonding and polar molecules)

What happens when the forces are greater?

Higher melting and boiling points

What happens to the boiling point as the chain length increases?

BPT increases as more electrons so more VDW between molecules as there are more points of contact

What happens to the boiling point to the same alkanes but when there are branches?

BPT decreases as branches impede molecule from close packing so less points of contact so less VDW between them

What happens to the solubility as chain length increases?

Decreases solubility as hydrocarbon chains do not interact with water (they’re hydrophobic)