Background image of landing

Unrivalled
Education
Solutions for your
Family

Describe the differences between the boiling and melting points of different aromatic compounds

The boiling and melting points of various aromatic compounds differ significantly due to their unique molecular structures.

Aromatic compounds are a category of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a benzene ring or other similar cyclic structures. The boiling and melting points of these compounds are influenced by their molecular configurations, which can vary widely.

The boiling point of an aromatic compound is primarily determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces acting between its molecules. These forces are affected by factors such as the size and shape of the molecule, as well as the presence of functional groups. Generally, compounds with larger molecular sizes and multiple functional groups exhibit higher boiling points due to the stronger intermolecular interactions.

Conversely, the melting point of an aromatic compound is influenced by the strength of the intramolecular forces that exist within the molecule itself. These forces are determined by the arrangement of atoms and the presence of functional groups. Compounds with more complex structures and additional functional groups typically have higher melting points because they possess stronger intramolecular forces.

For instance, benzene has a boiling point of 80.1\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C} and a melting point of 5.5\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C}. In comparison, toluene has a boiling point of 110.6\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C} and a melting point of -93\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C}. The higher boiling point of toluene can be attributed to its larger molecular size and the presence of more functional groups, which result in stronger intermolecular forces. Similarly, naphthalene exhibits a boiling point of 218\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C} and a melting point of 80\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C}, reflecting its greater size and more complex structure compared to benzene.

In summary, the boiling and melting points of aromatic compounds vary based on their molecular structures, which are influenced by factors such as size, shape, and functional groups.

Answered by: Dr. Olivia White
A-Level Chemistry Tutor
Medal Icon

100%

Globe Icon

Global

Crest Icon

97%

Professional Tutors

International Tuition

Independent School Entrance Success

All of our elite tutors are full-time professionals, with at least five years of tuition experience and over 5000 accrued teaching hours in their subject.

Based in Cambridge, with operations spanning the globe, we can provide our services to support your family anywhere.

Our families consistently gain offers from at least one of their target schools, including Eton, Harrow, Wellington and Wycombe Abbey.

Medal Icon

100%

Professional Tutors

All of our elite tutors are full-time professionals, with at least five years of tuition experience and over 5000 accrued teaching hours in their subject.

Globe Icon

Global

International Tuition

Based in Cambridge, with operations spanning the globe, we can provide our services to support your family anywhere.

Crest Icon

97%

Independent School Entrance Success

Our families consistently gain offers from at least one of their target schools, including Eton, Harrow, Wellington and Wycombe Abbey.

Book a free
30-minute consultation
session

At the Beyond Tutors we recognise that no two students are the same. 

That’s why we’ve transcended the traditional online tutoring model of cookie-cutter solutions to intricate educational problems. Instead, we devise a bespoke tutoring plan for each individual student, to support you on your path to academic success.

To help us understand your unique educational needs, we provide a free 30-minute consultation with one of our founding partners, so we can devise the tutoring plan that’s right for you.

To ensure we can best prepare for this consultation, we ask you to fill out the short form below.

Hire a Tutor

All the form fields are optional, but we ask you to provide as much information as possible so that we are in a better position to quickly meet your tutoring requirements.

Still have questions?
Let's get in touch