Question:

Which among the following has lowest boiling point?

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More branching means a smaller surface area and weaker van der Waals forces.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • n - Butyl alcohol
  • Isobutyl alcohol
  • sec-Butyl alcohol
  • tert-Butyl alcohol
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Isomeric alcohols have the same molar mass and the same hydrogen bonding. Their boiling points differ because of the surface area: the more branched the molecule, the more compact it is and the weaker the van der Waals forces between molecules.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Boiling points: n-butyl alcohol \(118\) C, isobutyl alcohol \(108\) C, sec-butyl alcohol \(99.5\) C, tert-butyl alcohol \(82\) C.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
tert-Butyl alcohol is the most branched and almost spherical, so its surface area is the smallest.
With the weakest dispersion forces, it needs the least energy to boil.
The straight chain n-butyl alcohol has the largest surface contact and the highest boiling point.

Final Answer:
tert-Butyl alcohol has the lowest boiling point, option (D). \[ \boxed{\text{tert-Butyl alcohol}} \]
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