MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The boiling point of isomeric alcohols decreases with an increase in branching. As branching increases, the molecule becomes more spherical in shape, which decreases the effective surface area. A smaller surface area results in weaker van der Waals forces of attraction between the molecules, thereby lowering the boiling point. Among the given isomers of C _4 H _9 OH , tert-butyl alcohol is the most branched. Therefore, tert-butyl alcohol has the lowest boiling point. Answer: tert Butyl alcohol