Chapter 12, Problem 72E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Among the given compounds, ${\text{CH}}_3{\text{OCH}}_3$ and ${\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2\text{OH}$, the compound that exists as a liquid at room temperature is to be identified. The reason is to be stated for the compound that exists as liquid at room temperature.

Concept introduction:

The state of a substance depends on the intermolecular forces present in a molecule.

The liquid state of a compound is due to the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

Hydrogen bonding takes place in a compound that contains a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine.