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

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between intermolecular and intramolecular bonds.


How does HBr add across a double bond? Predict the regiochemistry when HBr is reacted with 2-methylpropene


Can you help me with the question: "State and explain the trend in boiling temperature of hydrogen halides down the group"?


Explain what the rate-determining step in a reaction is with reference to activation energy.