There are two isomers that have the molecular formula, C_2H_6O. One isomer boils at 23.7 degrees C while the other boils at 78.4 degrees C. How do you draw the structure of each isomer? What is the IUPAC name for each one?

1 Answer
Jan 7, 2017

Well, one isomer is "H"_3"CCH"_2"OH", "ethanol", or "ethyl alcohol".

Explanation:

And t'other is "H"_3"COCH"_3, "dimethyl ether", or (I think) the approved IUPAC name is "methoxymethane".

Why do you think the ether is so much more volatile than the alcohol?