Which one of the following has the minimum boiling point?
- (A)n-butane
- (B)isobutane✓ Correct
- (C)1-butene
- (D)1-butyne
Answer: (B)
Solution
Boiling point follows the strength of van der Waals attraction, which weakens when a molecule is more compact and branched and so exposes less surface. Of the species on offer, isobutane is the branched alkane and clings least to its neighbours, giving it the lowest boiling point, below the straight-chain n-butane and the unsaturated 1-butene and 1-butyne.
JEE Main · 2004 · 24 Apr 2004 · Offline · Single correct option