Question

consider the data for the following liquids with similar molar masses and under the same atmospheric pressure.
predict which has the strongest intermolecular attraction based only on boiling point data.

pentane (bp = 36 °c)

ether (bp = 35 °c)

propyl chloride (bp = 47 °c)

propionic acid (bp = 141 °c)

butyl alcohol (bp = 117 °c)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Boiling Point and IMFs

Boiling point is related to intermolecular forces (IMFs): higher boiling point means stronger IMFs (more energy needed to separate molecules).

Step2: Compare Boiling Points

Given boiling points: pentane (36°C), ethyl ether (35°C), propyl chloride (47°C), propionic acid (141°C), butyl alcohol (117°C). The highest boiling point is propionic acid (141°C).

Step3: Conclude Strongest IMFs

Since propionic acid has the highest boiling point among the options, it has the strongest intermolecular attractions.

Answer:

propionic acid (Bp = 141 °C)