Melting Point

[Jordi M 2I]

The molecule C2H5OC2H5 (diethyl ether) has a slightly higher melting point than C4H9OH. Since both molecules have the same number of atoms, the reason must be behind the shape of diethyl ether but I am not sure exactly why. Can someone explain?

[Marc Lubman 3B]

Hi Jordi, by C4H9OH do you mean 1-butanol? Because the molecule with the lewis structure you're describing, a straight chain with an OH at the end, actually has a higher melting point than diethyl ether does (at least according to google), which makes sense because diethyl ether is a nonpolar chain molecule whereas 1-butanol is a polar chain, and the polarity leads to dipole-dipole interactions that hold the 1-butanol molecules closer together and raise their melting point.

[Pranav Daggubati 3C]

I think you are mistaken, as butanol (1-butanol), has a much higher melting point than diethyl ether by about 27 degrees Celsius. This is due to the polarity of the butanol molecule which comes from the -OH group.

[Jordi M 2I]

Oh okay, yeah I think I messed up. Thank you, that makes sense.