Which compound has the highest boiling point?
A CH₂CH₃OH
B CH₂CH₃CHO
C CH₃COCH₃
D CH₃COOCH₃ - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 3
Question 5
Which compound has the highest boiling point?
A CH₂CH₃OH
B CH₂CH₃CHO
C CH₃COCH₃
D CH₃COOCH₃
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which compound has the highest boiling point?
A CH₂CH₃OH
B CH₂CH₃CHO
C CH₃COCH₃
D CH₃COOCH₃ - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 3
Step 1
Identify the compounds
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Answer
The compounds presented in the options are:
A: Ethanol (CH₂CH₃OH)
B: Propanal (CH₂CH₃CHO)
C: Acetone (CH₃COCH₃)
D: Methyl acetate (CH₃COOCH₃)
Step 2
Determine factors affecting boiling points
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Answer
Boiling points are affected by factors such as molecular weight, the presence of functional groups, and intermolecular forces. Generally, the stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher the boiling point.
Step 3
Evaluate the options
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Answer
Ethanol (A) has hydrogen bonding due to the hydroxyl (-OH) group.
Propanal (B) also has some hydrogen bonding but is less dense than ethanol.
Acetone (C) has dipole-dipole interactions but no hydrogen bonding.
Methyl acetate (D) contains an ester functional group, which typically has moderate boiling point due to weaker dipole interactions.
Step 4
Conclusion
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Answer
Considering the factors discussed, ethanol (A) has the highest boiling point because the hydrogen bonding it exhibits is stronger than the other intermolecular forces present, thus making
