Arrange the following compounds in order of increasing boiling point l.CH 3CH2CH2OH II.CH 3CH 2OH III.CH3CH2CH2CH2OH IV. CH3CH 2CH2CH 2CH 3

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Chemistry - 2008 (Objective) Subject: Chemistry

Question 1 Report

Arrange the following compounds in order of increasing boiling point
l.CH 3CH2CH2OH
II.CH 3CH 2OH
III.CH3CH2CH2CH2OH
IV. CH3CH 2CH2CH 2CH 3

Answer Details
The boiling point of an organic compound is determined by the strength of intermolecular forces present between its molecules. These intermolecular forces are influenced by the molecular mass and polarity of the compound. The larger the molecular mass and polarity of the molecule, the stronger the intermolecular forces and thus the higher the boiling point. Among the given compounds, III has the largest molecular mass and also the maximum number of polar C-O bonds. Therefore, it has the highest boiling point. IV has a branched structure which decreases its surface area of contact and hence the intermolecular forces of attraction are weaker, thus it has the lowest boiling point among the given options. Therefore, the correct order of increasing boiling point would be: IV < II < I < III. Therefore, is the correct answer.

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