Which compound has the highest boiling point

Options

A. Acetone
B. Diethyl ether
C. Methanol
D. Ethanol

Explanation

To determine which compound has the highest boiling point among acetone, diethyl ether, methanol, and ethanol, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Compounds
The compounds we are comparing are:
1. Acetone (CH₃C(=O)CH₃)
2. Diethyl ether (C₂H₅OC₂H₅)
3. Methanol (CH₃OH)
4. Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)

### Step 2: Understand Boiling Point Factors
Boiling points are influenced by several factors, including:
- Molecular weight
- Intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces)

### Step 3: Analyze Intermolecular Forces
- **Acetone**: Has a polar carbonyl group (C=O) but does not form hydrogen bonds. It primarily exhibits dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces.
- **Diethyl ether**: Has an ether functional group and exhibits weak dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces, but no hydrogen bonding.
- **Methanol**: Has a hydroxyl group (-OH) and can form hydrogen bonds, which significantly increases its boiling point compared to compounds without hydrogen bonding.
- **Ethanol**: Also has a hydroxyl group and can form hydrogen bonds. It has a higher molecular weight than methanol, which contributes to a higher boiling point.

### Step 4: Compare the Boiling Points
- **Acetone**: Boiling point ~ 56 °C
- **Diethyl ether**: Boiling point ~ 34 °C
- **Methanol**: Boiling point ~ 65 °C
- **Ethanol**: Boiling point ~ 78 °C

### Step 5: Conclusion
From the analysis, ethanol (C₂H₅OH) has the highest boiling point among the given compounds due to its ability to form strong hydrogen bonds and its higher molecular weight compared to methanol.

### Final Answer
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) has the highest boiling point.

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