The alcohol with highest boiling point is

Options

A. `CH_(3)CH_(2)CH_(2)CH_(2)OH`
B. `CH_(3)CH_(2)CH(OH)CH_(3)`
C. `CH_(3)CH_(2)C(CH_(3))_(2)OH`
D. `CH_(3)C(CH_(3))_(2)CH_(2)OH`

Explanation

To determine which alcohol has the highest boiling point, we need to consider the effects of branching and hydrogen bonding in alcohols. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Factors Affecting Boiling Point
The boiling point of alcohols is influenced by two main factors:
- **Hydrogen bonding**: Alcohols can form hydrogen bonds due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group. More hydrogen bonding generally leads to a higher boiling point.
- **Van der Waals forces**: The surface area of the molecule affects the strength of Van der Waals forces. More surface area leads to stronger Van der Waals interactions, which can also increase boiling points.

### Step 2: Analyze the Structure of Alcohols
When comparing different alcohols, the degree of branching is crucial:
- **Less branching**: Alcohols with fewer branches have a larger surface area, which enhances Van der Waals forces and allows for more effective hydrogen bonding.
- **More branching**: Alcohols that are highly branched tend to have a smaller surface area, leading to weaker Van der Waals forces and reduced hydrogen bonding due to steric hindrance.

### Step 3: Identify the Alcohols
Assuming we have four alcohols to compare (let's label them A, B, C, and D):
- **Option A**: Straight-chain alcohol (least branched)
- **Option B**: Moderately branched alcohol
- **Option C**: More branched alcohol
- **Option D**: Highly branched alcohol

### Step 4: Determine the Alcohol with the Highest Boiling Point
From our analysis:
- **Option A**, being the least branched, will have the maximum surface area and the most effective hydrogen bonding.
- Therefore, **Option A** is the alcohol with the highest boiling point.

### Conclusion
The alcohol with the highest boiling point is the one that is least branched, which in this case is **Option A**.

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