Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to identify the aldehyde with the highest boiling point among the given homologous series options.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
For a homologous series like aldehydes, boiling point increases steadily with molecular mass. This is due to the strengthening of intermolecular van der Waals dispersion forces from larger electron clouds.
Comparing the carbon chain lengths: Ethanal (2 carbons), Propanal (3 carbons), Pentanal (5 carbons), and Hexanal (6 carbons).
Because hexanal possesses the longest carbon chain and highest molecular mass, it exhibits the strongest intermolecular forces, requiring the most thermal energy to boil.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The compound with the highest boiling point is hexanal, corresponding to option (A).