Couple quick n' easy (organic) chemistry ?'s before I go take my exam

[Rhin0]

hey guys,

Just wondered if you guys could clear up a couple things I don't know. I can't find it in my notes either. I know it will be on the exam though.

-Which is more stable? CH3+ or (CH3)3C+? Why? Explain the role of the carbons?

Does this have something to do with the geometry or polarity?



and

-Although they have similar molecular weight and size, ethyl alcohol (Ch3CH3OH) is a volatile liquid at room temp., while propane (CH3CH2CH3) is a gas. Explain:

Is this because the alcohol is polar and the propane is not? The propane has weaker bonds and the charge is better spread over the molecule?


Thanks for any help.

-Rhin0

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: Rhin0
hey guys,

Just wondered if you guys could clear up a couple things I don't know. I can't find it in my notes either. I know it will be on the exam though.

-Which is more stable? CH3+ or (CH3)3C+? Why? Explain the role of the carbons?

Does this have something to do with the geometry or polarity?



and

-Although they have similar molecular weight and size, ethyl alcohol (Ch3CH3OH) is a volatile liquid at room temp., while propane (CH3CH2CH3) is a gas. Explain:

Is this because the alcohol is polar and the propane is not? The propane has weaker bonds and the charge is better spread over the molecule?


Thanks for any help.

-Rhin0

The (CH3)3C+ is more stable because it has more electrons availible to share than CH3+.

Ethanol is a liquid because of the hydrogen bonding capacity of its polar hydroxyl group.