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This question is under the "Alkanes" section.
In cold weather, diesel fuel, which is composed of 14 carbon alkanes, freezes. Which of the following would work best as an additive to diesel fuel to prevent freezing?
A. H2O
B. ethanol
C. gasoline (composed of pentanes through octanes)
D. mineral oil (composed of 16 to 18 carbon alkanes)
As I understand it, we want to an additive that will prevent freezing, meaning decreasing the freezing point, or stay in the liquid form. The answer is C. I got that water and ethanol would H-bonds, raising the freezing point. But why would a shorter carbon chain lower the freezing point, as apposed to a longer chain? Someone please enlighten me. Thank you in advance!
In cold weather, diesel fuel, which is composed of 14 carbon alkanes, freezes. Which of the following would work best as an additive to diesel fuel to prevent freezing?
A. H2O
B. ethanol
C. gasoline (composed of pentanes through octanes)
D. mineral oil (composed of 16 to 18 carbon alkanes)
As I understand it, we want to an additive that will prevent freezing, meaning decreasing the freezing point, or stay in the liquid form. The answer is C. I got that water and ethanol would H-bonds, raising the freezing point. But why would a shorter carbon chain lower the freezing point, as apposed to a longer chain? Someone please enlighten me. Thank you in advance!