The intermolecular force(s)responsible for the fact that CH₄ has the lowest boiling point in the set CH₄,CH₃CH₃,CH₃CH₂CH₃,CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ is/are ________. A)hydrogen bonding B)London dispersion forces C)mainly hydrogen bonding but also dipole-dipole interactions D)dipole-dipole interactions E)mainly London-dispersion forces but also dipole-dipole interactions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intermolecular forces that determine the boiling point of a substance are the attractive forces between molecules. When molecules can form hydrogen bonds or have high dipole moments they will generally have higher boiling points. However, the molecule CH₄ has no hydrogen bonding sites and a relatively low dipole moment. That means the only intermolecular forces that can act between these molecules are London dispersion forces, which are the weakest of the intermolecular forces. Therefore, CH₄ has the lowest boiling point in the set.

The Intermolecular Force(s)responsible for the Fact That CH4 Has the Lowest

The Intermolecular Force(s)responsible for the Fact That CH₄ Has the Lowest