Question

Which of the following compounds will have the highest boiling point?

• A. \( \text{CH}_4 \)
• B. \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_6 \)
• C. \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_8 \)
• D. \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} \)

Hint:

Boiling points increase with the size of the molecule due to stronger London dispersion forces. Larger molecules have more surface area for these interactions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The boiling point of a compound is influenced by the strength of the intermolecular forces. Larger molecules with greater surface area generally have higher boiling points due to increased London dispersion forces (a type of van der Waals force). Among the given compounds, \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} \) (butane) is the largest molecule, so it has the highest boiling point. Thus, the compound with the highest boiling point is \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} \).