Which isomer of C_4H_9OH has lower boiling point?

MHT CET 2024 Chemistry question

Which isomer of has lower boiling point?

(A)n-Butyl alcohol
(B)Isobutyl alcohol
(C)Sec-Butyl alcohol
(D)tert-Butyl alcoholCorrect

Answer: (D)

Solution

All four isomers form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, so the difference arises from the surface area available for van der Waals forces. Branching makes the molecule more compact (nearly spherical) and reduces the surface area of contact, so the boiling point falls as branching increases.

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Question ID VK-094880