NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Why do the boiling points of alcohol decrease with an increase in branching in the carbon chain?
Options
- AIncrease in hydrogen bonding
- BDecrease in van der Waals forces
- CIncrease in surface area
- DDecrease in dipole-dipole interactions
Correct answer
B. Decrease in van der Waals forces
Step-by-step solution
Branching in the carbon chain decreases surface area, reducing van der Waals forces and thus lowering boiling points.