Which of the following alkanes exhibits the highest boiling point? — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The boiling point of alkanes increases with increasing molecular mass. Among the given options, n-hexane ($C_6H_{14}$) has the highest molecular mass. For isomeric alkanes (like n-pentane, 2,2-dimethylpropane, and 2-methylbutane, which are all $C_5H_{12}$), the boiling point decreases with an increase in branching due to a decrease in the surface area and consequently weaker van der Waals dispersion forces. Thus, n-hexane has the highest boiling point.