Predict the relative boiling points of propanal, butane and prop-2-en-1-ol from the highest to the lowest boiling point

In prop-2-en-1-ol, the strongest intermolecular forces acting between the molecules are hydrogen bonds. In propanal, the strongest intermolecular forces acting between molecules would be permanent dipole-dipole forces. Between butane molecules, there would just be van der Waals forces. Since hydrogen bonds are stronger than permanent dipole-dipole forces, which are in turn stronger than van der waals forces, it follows that the order of boiling points from highest to lowest is: prop-2-en-1-ol, propanal and butane.

RK
Answered by Rajan K. Chemistry tutor

34015 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the delocalised model of benzene, and hence why it is less reactive with electrophiles than cyclohexene


Explain the unusually high boiling point of HF


What is the definition of a H-Bond?


1.5 g of hydrocarbon undergoes complete combustion to give 4.4 g of CO2 and 2.7 g of H2O. Given this data, what is the empirical formula of this hydrocarbon?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning