Why do carboxylic acids have higher boiling points than similar alcohols or aldehydes?
A)They are more water soluble.
B)The carboxylic acid chain is not linear.
C)They have higher molar masses.
D)They form dimers.
E)They have an additional oxygen atom.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carboxylic acids have higher boiling points than similar alcohols or aldehydes primarily because they can form dimers through strong hydrogen bonding between two carboxylic acid molecules. This dimerization significantly increases the boiling point by effectively doubling the size of the molecule and increasing the strength of intermolecular forces that need to be overcome to change the phase from liquid to gas.

Why Do Carboxylic Acids Have Higher Boiling Points Than Similar