Exams › JEE Advanced › Chemistry

Choose the correct statement comparing the two compounds: I = CH3-O-CH3 (dimethyl ether) II = C2H5-OH (ethanol)

1. Boiling point of II is higher than I
2. Boiling point of II is lower than I
3. Compound I forms intramolecular H-bonding
4. Compound II forms intermolecular H-bonding

Correct answer: Boiling point of II is higher than I

Solution

Dimethyl ether and ethanol are constitutional isomers (C2H6O). Ethanol contains an O-H group and can form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds, while dimethyl ether (no O-H) cannot. Although option 4 (ethanol forms intermolecular H-bonding) is also a true statement, the question asks for the comparison that captures the main consequence: ethanol's intermolecular H-bonding raises its boiling point well above that of dimethyl ether. Hence the boiling point of II is higher than I.

Related JEE Advanced Chemistry questions

• Which compound listed below cannot be synthesized using the standard Williamson ether synthesis?
• In the reaction between C6H5Br and CH3CH2OH, C6H5Br remains unreactive. However, when C6H5OH reacts with MeCBrMe2, the tert-halide group in CBr undergoes elimination instead of substitution. Therefore, only certain combinations are suitable for ether synthesis.
• When CH3CH2CH2CH2OH is heated with Al2O3 at 350°C, what is the main product formed?
• The compound that does NOT liberate CO₂ on treatment with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, is -
• Which type of solution is required to perform the dye test for identifying β-naphthol?
• Among the following alcohols, how many will produce an immediate white turbidity (precipitate) when treated with Lucas reagent (anhydrous ZnCl2 / conc. HCl) at room temperature? The compounds are: (i) 1-butanol, (ii) 2-butanol, (iii) 2-methyl-2-propanol (tert-butanol), (iv) benzyl alcohol.

⚔️ Practice JEE Advanced Chemistry free + battle 1v1 →