Predict the relative boiling points of propanal, butane and prop-2-en-1-ol from the highest to the lowest boiling point

In prop-2-en-1-ol, the strongest intermolecular forces acting between the molecules are hydrogen bonds. In propanal, the strongest intermolecular forces acting between molecules would be permanent dipole-dipole forces. Between butane molecules, there would just be van der Waals forces. Since hydrogen bonds are stronger than permanent dipole-dipole forces, which are in turn stronger than van der waals forces, it follows that the order of boiling points from highest to lowest is: prop-2-en-1-ol, propanal and butane.

RK
Answered by Rajan K. Chemistry tutor

34018 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is Phenol more reactive than Benzene in electrophilic substitution reactions?


What is bond polarity and why does it exist?


What does Le Chatelier's principle say happens to an equilibrium when temperature is changed or a catalyst is added?


How does the reducing ability of halide ions vary?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning