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  • Benzene vs. Hexane: Understanding Volatility Differences
    Benzene is more volatile than hexane.

    Volatility refers to the tendency of a substance to vaporize or evaporate at a given temperature. The higher the volatility, the easier it is for a substance to transition from a liquid to a gas.

    Factors affecting volatility:

    * Intermolecular forces: Weaker intermolecular forces lead to higher volatility. Benzene has weaker London dispersion forces compared to hexane due to its planar structure and delocalized electrons.

    * Molecular weight: Lower molecular weight substances tend to be more volatile. Hexane has a higher molecular weight than benzene.

    Comparison:

    * Benzene:

    * Weaker intermolecular forces (London dispersion forces)

    * Lower molecular weight (78 g/mol)

    * Hexane:

    * Stronger intermolecular forces (London dispersion forces)

    * Higher molecular weight (86 g/mol)

    Conclusion:

    Due to its weaker intermolecular forces and lower molecular weight, benzene is more volatile than hexane. This means that benzene will evaporate more readily at a given temperature.

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