Question

Question: Rank the following compounds in order of increasing boiling point.

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Boiling point

The boiling point of a compound is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the compound equals the atmospheric pressure.

Factors affecting the boiling point

The boiling point of a compound depends on the intermolecular forces acting on it.

Compounds that involve hydrogen bonding (electrostatic force of attraction between hydrogen and a more electronegative atom) have a higher boiling point.

Order of boiling point of the given compounds

The given compounds are ketone, carboxylic acid, and alcohol.

Among the given compounds, both alcohol and carboxylic acid can participate in hydrogen bonding, and hence, have a higher boiling point than ketone.

Carboxylic acids have a higher boiling point than alcohols as they show more extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

Boiling points of the given compounds