Which of the following correctly represents the decreasing order of boiling points for Acetic acid, — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question
Question
Which of the following correctly represents the decreasing order of boiling points for Acetic acid, Ethanol, and Acetaldehyde, assuming comparable molecular masses?
Answer: C
💡 Solution & Explanation
Carboxylic acids have higher boiling points than alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes of comparable molecular mass. This is due to more extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding in carboxylic acids, forming stable dimers. Therefore, the order is Acetic acid ($391$ K) > Ethanol ($351$ K) > Acetaldehyde ($293$ K).
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