# Methanol (CH₃OH) and ethanol (C₂H₅OH) are both members of the alcohol homologous series. Explain why ethanol has a higher boiling point than methanol.

> WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales) — 2.6 Carbon chemistry / organic chemistry · Explain · 4 marks

> Methanol has a boiling point of 65 °C and ethanol has a boiling point of 78 °C. Both are alcohols that are liquids at room temperature.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Ethanol has a larger molecule / greater molecular mass than methanol
2. The forces between ethanol molecules are stronger than those between methanol molecules
3. More energy is needed to overcome the forces between ethanol molecules
4. Therefore ethanol has a higher boiling point

## Key terms

- [boiling point](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/boiling-point)
- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methanol-ch-oh-and-ethanol-c-h-oh-are-3edd4b64) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.