JEE MainChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Given below are two statements: Statement I : Ethanol has a significantly higher boiling point than its isomer dimethyl ether. Statement II : Both ethanol and dimethyl ether react vigorously with potassium metal to liberate hydrogen gas. In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.
Options
- AStatement I is true but Statement II is false
- BBoth Statement I and Statement II are true
- CStatement I is false but Statement II is true
- DBoth Statement I and Statement II are false
Correct answer
A. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Step-by-step solution
Statement I is correct because ethanol molecules are associated through strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the -OH group. Dimethyl ether molecules cannot form intermolecular hydrogen bonds with each other. Thus, ethanol has a much higher boiling point. Statement II is incorrect because ethanol contains an active (acidic) hydrogen and reacts with active metals like potassium to release hydrogen gas. Dimethyl ether lacks an active hydrogen and does not react with potassium metal. Answer: St