The correct order of viscosity of alcohol, ethylene glycol and glycerol is :

Options

A. alcohol > glycol > glycerol
B. glycerol > glycol > alcohol
C. glycol > glycerol > alcohol
D. alcohol > glycerol > glycol

Explanation

To determine the correct order of viscosity for alcohol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol, we will analyze the structures and intermolecular forces of these compounds. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It is directly proportional to the strength of intermolecular forces. The stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher the viscosity.

**Hint:** Remember that viscosity is related to how easily molecules can move past each other.

### Step 2: Identify the Structures
1. **Glycerol (C3H8O3)**: It has three hydroxyl (OH) groups.
2. **Ethylene Glycol (C2H6O2)**: It has two hydroxyl (OH) groups.
3. **Alcohol (General formula ROH)**: It typically has one hydroxyl (OH) group.

**Hint:** Count the number of hydroxyl groups in each compound; more OH groups usually mean stronger hydrogen bonding.

### Step 3: Analyze Hydrogen Bonding
- **Glycerol** can form the most hydrogen bonds due to its three OH groups.
- **Ethylene Glycol** can form fewer hydrogen bonds than glycerol but more than alcohol due to its two OH groups.
- **Alcohol** can form the least hydrogen bonds because it has only one OH group.

**Hint:** The number of hydroxyl groups directly influences the extent of hydrogen bonding.

### Step 4: Compare Intermolecular Forces
Since viscosity is related to intermolecular forces:
- Glycerol has the strongest intermolecular forces due to the highest number of hydrogen bonds.
- Ethylene Glycol has moderate intermolecular forces.
- Alcohol has the weakest intermolecular forces.

**Hint:** Stronger intermolecular forces lead to higher viscosity.

### Step 5: Determine the Order of Viscosity
Based on the analysis:
- **Glycerol** > **Ethylene Glycol** > **Alcohol**

Thus, the correct order of viscosity is:
**Glycerol > Ethylene Glycol > Alcohol**

**Hint:** When comparing substances, consider both the number of hydrogen bonds and the overall molecular structure.

### Final Answer
The correct order of viscosity of alcohol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol is:
**Glycerol > Ethylene Glycol > Alcohol**