Question

part 4 of 4
which compound has the highest melting point?
select
octane
hexane
ethane
which compound has the lowest melting point?
select

Explanation:

Sub - question 1: Which compound has the highest melting point?

For alkanes (ethane, hexane, octane), the melting point generally increases with increasing molecular weight (or number of carbon atoms). Octane has more carbon atoms (8) than hexane (6) and ethane (2), so it has stronger intermolecular forces (London dispersion forces) and thus a higher melting point.

Among alkanes, compounds with fewer carbon atoms have weaker intermolecular forces. Ethane has 2 carbon atoms, fewer than hexane (6) and octane (8), so it has the weakest intermolecular forces and the lowest melting point.

Answer:

octane

Sub - question 2: Which compound has the lowest melting point?