Experiment

Evaporation and
9
Intermolecular Attractions
In this experiment, Temperature Probes are placed in various liquids. Evaporation occurs when
the probe is removed from the liquid’s container. This evaporation is an endothermic process
that results in a temperature decrease. The magnitude of a temperature decrease is, like viscosity
and boiling temperature, related to the strength of intermolecular forces of attraction. In this
experiment, you will study temperature changes caused by the evaporation of several liquids and
relate the temperature changes to the strength of intermolecular forces of attraction. You will use
the results to predict, and then measure, the temperature change for several other liquids.

You will encounter two types of organic compounds in this experiment—alkanes and alcohols.
The two alkanes are pentane, C5H12, and hexane, C6H14. In addition to carbon and hydrogen
atoms, alcohols also contain the -OH functional group. Methanol, CH3OH, and ethanol,
C2H5OH, are two of the alcohols that we will use in this experiment. You will examine the
molecular structure of alkanes and alcohols for the presence and relative strength of two
intermolecular forces—hydrogen bonding and dispersion forces.

Figure 1

MATERIALS
LabPro or CBL 2 interface methanol (methyl alcohol)
TI Graphing Calculator ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
DataMate program 1-propanol
2 Temperature Probes 1-butanol
6 pieces of filter paper (2.5 cm X 2.5 cm) n-pentane
2 small rubber bands n-hexane
masking tape

PRE-LAB EXERCISE
Prior to doing the experiment, complete the Pre-Lab table. The name and formula are given for
each compound. Draw a structural formula for a molecule of each compound. Then determine
the molecular weight of each of the molecules. Dispersion forces exist between any two
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of the publisher Copyright (2000),
Chemistry with Calculators Vernier Software & Technology 9-1
Experiment 9

molecules, and generally increase as the molecular weight of the molecule increases. Next,
examine each molecule for the presence of hydrogen bonding. Before hydrogen bonding can
occur, a hydrogen atom must be bonded directly to an N, O, or F atom within the molecule. Tell
whether or not each molecule has hydrogen-bonding capability.

PROCEDURE
1. Obtain and wear goggles! CAUTION: The compounds used in this experiment are
flammable and poisonous. Avoid inhaling their vapors. Avoid contacting them with your
skin or clothing. Be sure there are no open flames in the lab during this experiment. Notify
your teacher immediately if an accident occurs.
2. Plug Temperature Probe 1 into Channel 1 and Temperature Probe 2 into Channel 2 of the
LabPro or CBL 2 interface. Use the link cable to connect the TI Graphing Calculator to the
interface. Firmly press in the cable ends.

3. Turn on the calculator and start the DATAMATE program. Press CLEAR to reset the program.

4. Set up the calculator and interface for two Temperature Probes.

a. Select SETUP from the main screen.
b. If the calculator displays two Temperature Probes, one in CH 1 and another in CH 2,
proceed directly to Step 5. If it does not, continue with this step to set up your sensor
manually.
c. Press ENTER to select CH 1.
d. Select TEMPERATURE from the SELECT SENSOR menu.
e. Select the Temperature Probe you are using (in °C) from the TEMPERATURE menu.
f. Press once, then press ENTER to select CH2.
g. Select TEMPERATURE from the SELECT SENSOR menu.
h. Select the Temperature Probe you are using (in °C) from the TEMPERATURE menu.
5. Set up the data-collection mode.
a. To select MODE, use to move the cursor to MODE, and press ENTER .
b. Select TIME GRAPH from the SELECT MODE menu.
c. Select CHANGE TIME SETTINGS from the TIME GRAPH SETTINGS menu.
d. Enter “3” as the time between samples in seconds.
e. Enter “80” as the number of samples. (The length of the data collection will be 4 minutes.)
f. Select OK to return to the setup screen.
g. Select OK again to return to the main screen.
6. Wrap Probe 1 and Probe 2 with square pieces of filter paper secured by small rubber bands
as shown in Figure 1. Roll the filter paper around the probe tip in the shape of a cylinder.
Hint: First slip the rubber band up on the probe, wrap the paper around the probe, and then
finally slip the rubber band over the wrapped paper. The paper should be even with the probe
end.
7. Stand Probe 1 in the ethanol container and Probe 2 in the 1-propanol container. Make sure
the containers do not tip over.

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of the publisher Copyright (2000),
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 Evaporation and Intermolecular Attractions

8. Prepare 2 pieces of masking tape, each about 10-cm long, to be used to tape the probes in
position during Step 9.
9. After the probes have been in the liquids for at least 30 seconds, select START to begin
collecting temperature data. A live graph of temperature vs. time for both Probe 1 and Probe
2 is being plotted on the calculator screen. The live readings are displayed in the upper-right
corner of the graph, Probe 1 first, Probe 2 below. Monitor the temperature for 15 seconds to
establish the initial temperature of each liquid. Then simultaneously remove the probes from
the liquids and tape them so the probe tips extend 5 cm over the edge of the table top as
shown in Figure 1.
10. Data collection will stop after 4 minutes (or press the STO key to stop before 4 minutes has
elapsed). On the displayed graph of temperature vs. time, each point for Probe 1 is plotted
with a dot, and each point for Probe 2 with a box. As you move the cursor right or left, the
time (X) and temperature (Y) values of each Probe 1 data point are displayed below the
graph. Based on your data, determine the maximum temperature, t1, and minimum
temperature, t2. Record t1 and t2 for Probe 1.
Press to switch the cursor to the curve of temperature vs. time for Probe 2. Examine
the data points along the curve. Record t2 and t1 for Probe 2.
11. For each liquid, subtract the minimum temperature from the maximum temperature to
determine ∆t, the temperature change during evaporation.
12. Roll the rubber band up the probe shaft and dispose of the filter paper as directed by your
instructor

13. Based on the ∆t values you obtained for these two substances, plus information in the
Pre-Lab exercise, predict the size of the ∆t value for 1-butanol. Compare its hydrogen-
bonding capability and molecular weight to those of ethanol and 1-propanol. Record your
predicted ∆t, then explain how you arrived at this answer in the space provided. Do the same
for n-pentane. It is not important that you predict the exact ∆t value; simply estimate a
logical value that is higher, lower, or between the previous ∆t values.

14. Press ENTER to return to the main screen. Test your prediction in Step 13 by repeating Steps
6-12 using 1-butanol with Probe 1 and n-pentane with Probe 2.

15. Based on the ∆t values you have obtained for all four substances, plus information in the
Pre-Lab exercise, predict the ∆t values for methanol and n-hexane. Compare the hydrogen-
bonding capability and molecular weight of methanol and n-hexane to those of the previous
four liquids. Record your predicted ∆t, then explain how you arrived at this answer in the
space provided.

16. Press ENTER to return to the main screen. Test your prediction in Step 15 by repeating Steps
6-12, using methanol with Probe 1 and n-hexane with Probe 2.

PROCESSING THE DATA

1. Two of the liquids, n-pentane and 1-butanol, had nearly the same molecular weights, but
significantly different ∆t values. Explain the difference in ∆t values of these substances,
based on their intermolecular forces.
2. Which of the alcohols studied has the strongest intermolecular forces of attraction? The
weakest intermolecular forces? Explain using the results of this experiment.
Modified from and reported with permission
of the publisher Copyright (2000),
Chemistry with Calculators Vernier Software & Technology 9-3
Experiment 9

3. Which of the alkanes studied has the stronger intermolecular forces of attraction? The
weaker intermolecular forces? Explain using the results of this experiment.

4. Plot a graph of ∆t values of the four alcohols versus their respective molecular weights. Plot
molecular weight on the horizontal axis and ∆t on the vertical axis.

PRE-LAB
Molecular Hydrogen Bond
Substance Formula Structural Formulas
Weight (Yes or No)

ethanol C2H5OH

1-propanol C3H7OH

1-butanol C4H9OH

n-pentane C5H12

methanol CH3OH

n-hexane C6H14

DATA TABLE

Substance t1 t2 ∆t (t1–t2)
(°C) (°C) (°C)

ethanol

1-propanol Predicted
Explanation
∆t (°C)

1-butanol

n-pentane

methanol

n-hexane

Modified from and reported with permission

of the publisher Copyright (2000),
9-4 Vernier Software & Technology Chemistry with Calculators
 Experiment

TEACHER INFORMATION 9
Evaporation and
Intermolecular Attractions
1. We recommend wrapping the probes with paper as described in the procedure. Wrapped
probes provide more uniform liquid amounts, and generally greater ∆t values, than bare
probes. Chromatography paper, filter paper, and various other paper types work well.
2. Snug-fitting rubber bands can be made by cutting short sections from a small rubber hose.
Surgical tubing works well. Orthodontist’s rubber bands are also a good size.
3. Other liquids can be substituted. Although it has a somewhat larger ∆t, 2-propanol can be
substituted for 1-propanol. Some petroleum ethers have a high percentage of hexane and can
be used in its place. Other alkanes of relatively high purity, such as n-heptane or n-octane
can be used. Water, with a ∆t value of about 5°C, emphasizes the effect of hydrogen bonding
on a low-molecular weight liquid. However, students might have difficulty comparing its
hydrogen bonding capability with that of the alcohols used.
4. Sets of the liquids can be supplied in 13 X 100-mm test tubes stationed in stable test-tube
racks. This method uses very small amounts of the liquids. Alternatively, the liquids can be
supplied in sets of small bottles kept for future use. Adjust the level of the liquids in the
containers so it will be above the top edge of the filter paper.
5. Because several of these liquids are highly volatile, keep the room well-ventilated. Cap the
test tubes or bottles at times when the experiment is not being performed. The experiment
should not be performed near any open flames.
6. Other properties, besides ∆t values, vary with molecular size and consequent size of
intermolecular forces of attraction. Viscosity increases noticeably from methanol through
1-butanol. The boiling temperatures of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol are
65°C, 78°C, 97°C, and 117°C, respectively.
7. If you have only one Temperature Probe per interface, this experiment can still be completed
in one class period. It is also possible to do four of the liquids during one class period, and
the remaining two liquids the next day. This provides students with additional time to
consider their predictions. The Stainless Steel Temperature Probe and the Direct-Connect
Temperature Probe work very well for this experiment. We do not recommend that you use
the TI Temperature Probe that was shipped with the original CBL; our tests show that
pentane liquid sometimes penetrates the seal on the tip of the TI-Temperature Probe.
8. HAZARD ALERTS:
n-Hexane: Flammable liquid: dangerous fire risk; may be irritating to respiratory tract.
Hazard Code: B—Hazardous.
Methanol: Flammable; dangerous fire risk; toxic by ingestion (ingestion may cause
blindness). Hazard Code: B—Hazardous.
Ethanol: Dangerous fire risk; flammable; addition of denaturant makes the product
poisonous—it cannot be made non-poisonous; store in a dedicated flammables cabinet or
safety cans. If a flammables cabinet or safety cans are not available, store in a Flinn Saf-
Stor® Can. Hazard Code: C—Somewhat hazardous.

Modified from and reported with permission

of the publisher Copyright (2000),
Chemistry with Calculators Vernier Software & Technology 9-1T
Experiment 9

n-Pentane: Flammable liquid; narcotic in high concentrations. Hazard Code: B—Hazardous.

1-Propanol: Flammable liquid; dangerous fire risk; harmful to eyes and respiratory tract.
Hazard Code: B—Hazardous.
1-Butanol: Moderate fire risk; toxic on prolonged inhalation; eye irritant; absorbed by skin.
Substance may develop explosive hydroperoxides. Use fresh materials only. All Flinn
chemicals are date labeled. Hazard Code: B—Hazardous.
The hazard information reference is: Flinn Scientific, Inc., Chemical & Biological Catalog
Reference Manual, 2000, P.O. Box 219, Batavia, IL 60510. See Appendix F of this book,
Chemistry with Calculators, for more information.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
1. Even though n-pentane and 1-butanol have molecular weights of 72 and 74, respectively,
1-butanol has a much smaller ∆ due to the presence of hydrogen bonding between its
molecules. This results in a stronger attraction, and a slower rate of evaporation.
2. The 1-butanol has the strongest attractions between its molecules. Methanol has the weakest
attractions. The 1-butanol has the largest molecules and resulting strongest dispersion forces.
This gives it the lowest evaporation rate and the smallest ∆t.
3. The n-hexane has the stronger attractions between its molecules. The n-pentane has the
weaker attractions. The n-hexane has the larger molecules and the resulting stronger
dispersion forces. This gives it a lower evaporation rate and the smallest ∆t.
4. See the fourth sample graph on p. 9-4T.

DATA TABLE

Substance t1 t2 ∆t (t1–t2)
(°C) (°C) (°C)

ethanol 23.5 15.2 8.3

1-propanol Predicted Explanation

23.0 18.1 4.9 ∆t (°C)

varies It has a higher molecular wt.

1-butanol 23.2 21.5 1.7 (< 4.9°C) than
1-propanol (both have H-bonds).
varies It has a higher molecular wt.
n-pentane 23.0 6.9 16.1 (> 8.3°C) than
either, but no H-bonding.
varies It has a lower molecular wt. than
Methanol 22.9 9.8 13.1 (> 8.3°C) ethanol (both have H-bonds).
varies It has a higher molecular wt.
n-hexane 23.2 11.2 12.0 (< 16.1°C) than
n-pentane; also no H-bonding.
Modified from and reported with permission
of the publisher Copyright (2000),
9-2T Vernier Software & Technology Chemistry with Calculators
Teacher Information Evaporation and Intermolecular Attractions

PRE-LAB RESULTS

Substance Formula Structural Formulas Molecular Hydrogen Bond

Weight (Yes or No)

H H
| |
ethanol C2H5OH H–C–C–O–H 46 yes
| |
H H
H H H
| | |
1-propanol C3H7OH H–C–C–C–O–H 60 yes
| | |
H H H
H H H H
| | | |
1-butanol C4H9OH H–C–C–C–C–O–H 74 yes
| | | |
H H H H
H H H H H
| | | | |
n-pentane C5H12 H–C–C–C–C–C–H 72 no
| | | | |
H H H H H
H
|
methanol CH3OH H–C–O–H 32 yes
|
H
H H H H H H
| | | | | |
n-hexane C6H14 H–C–C–C–C–C–C–H 86 no
| | | | | |
H H H H H H

Modified from and reported with permission

of the publisher Copyright (2000),
Chemistry with Calculators Vernier Software & Technology 9-3T
Experiment 9

1-butanol
ethanol

1-propanol

methanol

Evaporation of methanol and ethanol Evaporation of 1-propanol and 1-butanol

n-hexane

n-pentane

Evaporation of n-pentane and n-hexane Temperature change vs. alcohol molecular wt.

Modified from and reported with permission

of the publisher Copyright (2000),
9-4T Vernier Software & Technology Chemistry with Calculators