Based on the structural properties of alcohols, arrange the following compounds in increasing order — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Boiling point increases with increasing molecular mass (van der Waals forces). Therefore, propan-1-ol (3 carbons) < butanols (4 carbons) < pentan-1-ol (5 carbons). Among isomers, an increase in branching decreases the surface area, which decreases the van der Waals forces and the boiling point. Hence, the branched butan-2-ol has a lower boiling point than the unbranched butan-1-ol.