Question:

Which from the following is a correct decreasing order of boiling points for following organic compounds ?

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Boiling point order follows hydrogen bonding: acid, then alcohol, then ketone, then aldehyde.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Aldehyde > Ketone > Alcohol > Carboxylic acid
  • Carboxylic acid > Alcohol > Ketone > Aldehyde
  • Ketone > Aldehyde > Carboxylic acid > Alcohol
  • Alcohol > Aldehyde > Ketone > Carboxylic acid
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
For compounds of similar molar mass, boiling points depend on intermolecular forces. Hydrogen bonding is the strongest, then dipole-dipole forces.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation
Carboxylic acids form strong hydrogen bonds and exist as dimers, giving the highest boiling points.
Alcohols form hydrogen bonds, but weaker than the acid dimers.
Ketones and aldehydes have no hydrogen bonding between their own molecules, only dipole-dipole forces. Ketones have a slightly larger dipole due to two electron-donating alkyl groups, so ketones boil higher than aldehydes.
Order: acid > alcohol > ketone > aldehyde.

Final Answer:
The correct decreasing order is acid, alcohol, ketone, aldehyde, option (B). \[ \boxed{\text{Acid} > \text{Alcohol} > \text{Ketone} > \text{Aldehyde}\ \text{(B)}} \]
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