Evaluate the fundamental thermodynamic factors governing the boiling points of organohalogens. Which — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

A) True. Larger halogens have larger, more easily distorted electron clouds (polarizability), resulting in stronger transient dipole attractions (van der Waals/London forces). B) True. 1-chlorobutane is straight and has a large surface area for contact. 2-chloro-2-methylpropane is heavily branched and roughly spherical, minimizing surface area and thus lowering the boiling point. C) False. Adding more halogens (e.g., $CH_3Cl \rightarrow CH_2Cl_2 \rightarrow CHCl_3 \rightarrow CCl_4$) drastically increases total molecular mass and polarizability, which strictly *increases* the boiling point despite any internal steric strain. D) False. While haloarenes possess partial double-bond character, their boiling points are comparable to structurally equivalent large aliphatic halides; the double-bond character affects reactivity (bond strength), not directly boiling point.