Question

Hydrogen peroxide H₂O₂is a syrupy liquid with a relatively low vapor pressure and a normal boiling point of 152.2^oC. Rationalize the differences between these physical properties and those of water.

Short answer

The viscosity and boiling point of compounds H₂O₂ is higher than the water, while the vapor pressure ofH₂O₂ is lower than the water.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of the vapor pressure, boiling point, and viscosity

Vapor pressure is used to measure the tendency of a material to change into the gaseous or vapor state, and it increases with temperature. The vapor pressure of a liquid is inversely proportional to the intermolecular forces of molecules.

Boiling point: The state at which compound changes from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase is known as the boiling point.The boiling point is directly proportional to the intermolecular forces of molecules.

Viscosity: The tendency of viscosity of the fluid to resist deformation of fluid in shape is known as viscosity.The viscosity of compounds is directly proportional to the intermolecular forces of molecules.

Step 2:The differences between the physical properties of hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and water

The intermolecular forces between the molecules in H₂O₂ are stronger than in water as the hydrogen peroxide contains the two OH bonds while water contains the one bond. Hence, the hydrogen bonding of H₂O₂ greater than the water.

Since the intermolecular forces of H₂O₂ is more, therefore, the viscosity and boiling point of H₂O₂ is higher than the water (viscosity and boiling point of compounds are directly proportional to intermolecular forces of molecules.),and the vapor pressure of water is higher than the hydrogen peroxide (vapor pressure of the liquid is inversely proportional to the intermolecular forces of molecules).