Rank the following compounds in order of decreasing boiling point, putting the compound with the highest boiling point first.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The boiling point of a compound depends on its intermolecular forces, which increase with increasing molecular weight and polarity. The largest and most polar compound is III (3-hydroxy-2-butanone), which has intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. Then, II (2-butanone) has dipole-dipole interactions, followed by IV (butanal) with weak dipole-induced dipole interactions. Finally, I (butane) is nonpolar and has only weak induced dipole-induced dipole interactions. Therefore, the correct order is III > II > IV > I.

Rank the Following Compounds in Order of Decreasing Boiling Point