Question:

Arrange the following compounds in order of their increasing boiling points: Propan-1-ol, Ethanol, Butan-2-ol, Butan-1-ol

Show Hint

Higher mass = Higher BP. More branching = Lower BP.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
Boiling points of alcohols based on molecular mass and branching.

Step 2: Analysis
Boiling point increases with an increase in the number of carbon atoms (molecular mass). Among isomers, branching decreases the surface area and lowers the boiling point. Order of carbons: Ethanol (2C) $\lt $ Propan-1-ol (3C) $\lt $ Butanols (4C). Between the 4-carbon alcohols: Butan-2-ol (branched) $\lt $ Butan-1-ol (straight chain).

Final Answer: Ethanol $\lt $ Propan-1-ol $\lt $ Butan-2-ol $\lt $ Butan-1-ol
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top CBSE CLASS XII Chemistry Questions

View More Questions