Of the alcohols with the molecular formula C₄H₉OH, which has the lowest boiling point? A) 1-butanol B) sec-butyl alcohol C) tert-butyl alcohol D) isobutyl alcohol

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The boiling point of alcohols depends on their molecular weight, hydrogen bonding, and branching. In this case, all alcohols have the same molecular weight, so we need to consider their branching and hydrogen bonding. 
1-butanol has a linear structure with a hydroxyl group at the end. It can form hydrogen bonds with other 1-butanol molecules, leading to a higher boiling point than most other alcohols. 
Sec-butyl alcohol has a branched structure with a hydroxyl group attached to the secondary carbon. It can also form hydrogen bonds, but its branching reduces its ability to pack closely with other sec-butyl alcohol molecules, resulting in a lower boiling point compared to 1-butanol. 
Isobutyl alcohol has a branched structure with a hydroxyl group attached to the primary carbon. It can form hydrogen bonds, but its branching is more severe than that of sec-butyl alcohol, leading to an even lower boiling point. 
Tert-butyl alcohol has a highly branched structure with a hydroxyl group attached to a tertiary carbon. Its branching is even more severe than that of isobutyl alcohol, which hinders its ability to form hydrogen bonds and pack closely with other tert-butyl alcohol molecules. Therefore, it has the lowest boiling point among the given options.

Of the Alcohols with the Molecular Formula C4H9OH, Which Has

Of the Alcohols with the Molecular Formula C₄H₉OH, Which Has