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Ch.24 - The Chemistry of Life: Organic and Biological Chemistry
Chapter 24, Problem 111

Section 2.9 introduced the idea of structural isomerism, with 1-propanol and 2-propanol as examples. Determine which of these properties would distinguish these two substances: (a) boiling point, (b) combustion analysis results, (c) molecular weight, (d) density at a given temperature and pressure. You can check on the properties of these two compounds in Wolfram Alpha (http://www.wolframalpha.com/) or the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Structural Isomerism

Structural isomerism occurs when two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. In the case of 1-propanol and 2-propanol, they both share the formula C3H8O but differ in the position of the hydroxyl (-OH) group. This difference in structure leads to variations in their physical and chemical properties.
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Boiling Point

The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the external pressure, causing it to change from liquid to gas. For isomers like 1-propanol and 2-propanol, differences in molecular structure can lead to variations in intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding, which significantly affect their boiling points.
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Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume and is an important physical property that can vary between isomers. The arrangement of atoms in a molecule influences its overall mass and volume, leading to differences in density. For 1-propanol and 2-propanol, their distinct structures result in measurable differences in density, which can be used to distinguish between the two substances.
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