How Does The Boiling Point Of Sodium Dithionite Compare To Other Compounds With Similar Chemical Structures?

Sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) has a relatively low boiling point compared to other compounds with similar chemical structures. This is because sodium dithionite is a highly polar compound with strong intermolecular forces, such as dipole-dipole and hydrogen bonding, which hold its molecules together in the solid and liquid states.

These intermolecular forces require energy to overcome, which results in a higher boiling point. However, sodium dithionite has fewer carbon atoms and weaker van der Waals forces compared to other compounds with similar chemical structures, such as aldehydes and ketones.

As a result, the boiling point of sodium dithionite is lower than those compounds. For example, acetone (CH3COCH3) has a boiling point of 56.5°C, while sodium dithionite has a boiling point of approximately 100°C at atmospheric pressure.