Question

why hexane is smaller than ethane ?​

Answer 1

In alkanes, there is a simple trend in boiling point. The more carbon atoms in the alkane, the higher the boiling point. This is an easily intuited concept. It is analogous to a hot air balloon. Consider the size of the balloon to be like the size of the molecule. If the balloon is bigger, more heated air will be required to lift it. The same is true of alkane molecules. If the carbon chain is longer, a larger increase in temperature will be needed. Each additional atom is simply increasing the area to be "lifted" into a new state of matter. Thus, ethane with its two carbon chain will have a lower boiling point than hexane with its chain of six carbons. The principle underlying this is molecular mass. Hope this is more clear!

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Answer 2

Explanation:

Ethane has 2 carbon chain while hexane has 6