JAMB - Chemistry (2010 - No. 43)

The correct order of increasing boiling points of the following compounds C3H7OH, C7H16 and C4H10 is?
C3H7OH → C4H10 → C7H10
C4H10 → C7H16 → C3H7OH
C7H16 → C3H7OH → C4H10
C4H10 → C3H7OH → C7H16

Explanation

C3H7OH ( PROPANOL) ⇒ 97ºC

 C7H16 ( HEPTANE ) ⇒ 98.42ºC ;and

C4H10 ( BUTANE ) ⇒ -1ºC

ALTERNATIVELY,

In general, the higher the molecular mass of a substance, the higher its boiling point. This is because larger molecules have more intermolecular forces of attraction, which must be overcome for the substance to boil. If the molecular masses of each of the compounds are calculated, propanol (60g/mol), heptane(100g/mol) while butane(58g/mol). 

Arrangement in increasing order will be  C4H10 → C3H7OH → C7H16 - Option D

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