JCE Software Chemistry Comes Alive!
Methanol and Ethanol

Methanol and ethanol are injected into separate barometers and their vapor pressures are measured. Molecular models of methanol and ethanol are shown.

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Narrative
Methanol and ethanol have similar structures and similar intermolecular forces, but differ in molecular weight.

Methanol vapor depresses the mercury column to 634 millimeters. Ethanol vapor only depresses the mercury column to 688 millimeters.

Methanol has a lower molecular weight than ethanol. Therefore its intermolecular forces are not as strong and its vapor pressure is higher.