NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Which factor contributes to the decrease in boiling points of phenols with increased branching in the phenolic ring?
Options
- AIncreased surface area
- BWeaker van der Waals forces
- CReduced hydrogen bonding ability
- DGreater aromaticity
Correct answer
C. Reduced hydrogen bonding ability
Step-by-step solution
Increased branching reduces the availability of -OH groups for hydrogen bonding, decreasing boiling points.