Phenol (molecular mass ) boils at , whereas toluene (molecular mass ) boils at only . Which specific intermolecular force is primarily responsible for this significant difference in boiling points des

Question

Phenol (molecular mass $94 	ext{ g/mol}$) boils at $182^\circ	ext{C}$, whereas toluene (molecular mass $92 	ext{ g/mol}$) boils at only $110^\circ	ext{C}$. Which specific intermolecular force is primarily responsible for this significant difference in boiling points despite their similar molecular masses?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. The boiling point of phenol is much higher than that of toluene (a hydrocarbon of comparable mass) due to the highly polar bond in phenol. This allows phenol molecules to form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with one another, requiring significantly more thermal energy to vaporize.

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