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  • Boiling Point Comparison: CH3CH3 vs. CH3Cl - Understanding Intermolecular Forces
    CH3Cl (chloromethane) has a higher boiling point than CH3CH3 (ethane).

    Here's why:

    * Intermolecular forces: The strength of intermolecular forces between molecules determines their boiling point. Stronger intermolecular forces require more energy to overcome, leading to a higher boiling point.

    * Dipole-dipole interactions: CH3Cl is a polar molecule due to the electronegativity difference between chlorine and carbon. This creates a permanent dipole moment, allowing for dipole-dipole interactions between molecules, which are stronger than the London dispersion forces present in the nonpolar ethane (CH3CH3).

    * London dispersion forces: While both molecules exhibit London dispersion forces, these forces are weaker in ethane due to its smaller size and less polarizability.

    In summary: The stronger dipole-dipole interactions in CH3Cl, compared to the weaker London dispersion forces in CH3CH3, result in a higher boiling point for chloromethane.

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