According to VSEPR model, molecules adopt geometries in which their valence electron pairs position themselves as far from each other as possible. The VSEPR model considers double and triple bonds to

Question

According to VSEPR model, molecules adopt geometries in which their valence 
electron pairs position themselves as far from each other as possible. The VSEPR
model considers double and triple bonds to have slightly greater repulsive 
effects than single bonds because of the repulsive effect of $\pi$-electrons. 
However the lone pair creates the maximum repulsive effect.

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. Step 1: Identify that ortho-fluorophenol (I) exhibits strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding, which significantly decreases its capacity to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, thereby lowering its boiling point. Step 2: For ortho-chlorophenol (II) and ortho-bromophenol (III), intramolecular hydrogen bonding is weak or negligible due to the larger size of Cl and Br. Therefore, their boiling points are primarily governed by van der Waals forces, which increase with molecular size and weight (III > II). Step 3: Consequently, the boiling point order is III > II > I, which matches option (b).

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