Which of the following compounds will exhibit the highest boiling point?
Correct: B
Boiling point increases with increasing intermolecular forces. Alkanes (CH₃CH₂CH₃ and CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃) exhibit only London dispersion forces. Ethers (CH₃OCH₃) exhibit dipole-dipole interactions, in addition to London dispersion forces. Alcohols (CH₃CH₂OH) exhibit hydrogen bonding, which is the strongest intermolecular force. Furthermore, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ has a greater molecular weight than CH₃CH₂CH₃. Hydrogen bonding is the dominant factor in the question; therefore, CH₃CH₂OH will have the highest boiling point.