Following are structural formulas for dimethyl ether and ethanol. These compounds are co...

Following are structural formulas for dimethyl ether and ethanol. These compounds are constitutional isomers with the molecular formula C₂H₆O.

One of these compounds has a boiling point of 78°C; the other has a boiling point of 224°C.

(a) Which compound has which boiling point? Explain your reasoning.

(b) One compound is soluble in water in all proportions, that is, it is infinitely soluble. The other has a water solubility of only 7.8 g/100 mL. Which compound has which water solubility? How do you account for this difference in water solubility? We discuss the physical properties of alcohols and ethers in detail in Chapter 5.