Question

Following are structural formulas and heats of combustion of acetaldehyde and ethylene oxide. Which of these compounds is more stable? Explain. CC=O C1CO1 Acetaldehyde Ethylene oxide \(-1164 \mathrm{~kJ}(-278.8 \mathrm{kcal}) / \mathrm{mol}\) \(-1264 \mathrm{~kJ}(-302.1 \mathrm{kcal}) / \mathrm{mol}\)

Short answer

Answer: Acetaldehyde is more stable than ethylene oxide.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the given information

The given information in this exercise are the structural formulas and heats of combustion for acetaldehyde and ethylene oxide. Acetaldehyde has a heat of combustion of \(-1164 \mathrm{~kJ/mol}\), while ethylene oxide has a heat of combustion of \(-1264 \mathrm{~kJ/mol}\).

Compare the heats of combustion

We need to compare the heats of combustion of both compounds to determine which one is more stable. Acetaldehyde has a heat of combustion of \(-1164 \mathrm{~kJ/mol}\), whereas ethylene oxide has a heat of combustion of \(-1264 \mathrm{~kJ/mol}\). Since the heat of combustion of acetaldehyde is less negative than that of ethylene oxide, it means that acetaldehyde has a lower energy content and is more stable.

Conclusion

Based on the comparison of heats of combustion, acetaldehyde is more stable than ethylene oxide as it has a lower energy content (heat of combustion is less negative).