Question

place the following substances in order of increasing boiling point. ch3ch2oh ch3och3 ch3ch2ch3 ch3ch2oh < ch3och3 < ch3ch2ch3 ch3och3 < ch3ch2ch3 < ch3ch2oh ch3och3 < ch3ch2oh < ch3ch2ch3 ch3ch2ch3 < ch3och3 < ch3ch2oh

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze intermolecular forces

$CH_3CH_2CH_3$ has only weak London - dispersion forces. $CH_3OCH_3$ is polar, so it has dipole - dipole forces in addition to London - dispersion forces. $CH_3CH_2OH$ can form hydrogen bonds (due to the $-OH$ group), which are the strongest intermolecular forces among these three types.

Step2: Determine boiling - point order

The stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher the boiling point. Since London - dispersion forces are weaker than dipole - dipole forces which are weaker than hydrogen bonds, the order of increasing boiling point is based on the strength of these intermolecular forces.

Answer:

D. $CH_3CH_2CH_3 < CH_3OCH_3 < CH_3CH_2OH$