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MHT CET Chemistry Alcohols Phenols and Ethers 2026 MHT CET 2026 (18 April Shift 1)

MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Question

Which among the following has lowest boiling point?

Options

  1. A. n - Butyl alcohol
  2. B. Isobutyl alcohol
  3. C. sec-Butyl alcohol
  4. D. tert-Butyl alcohol

Answer

D. tert-Butyl alcohol

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 surface area. A smaller surface area leads to weaker van der Waals forces of attraction between the molecules, thereby lowering the boiling point. Among the given isomers of butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol is the most branched. Therefore, tert-butyl alcohol has the lowest boiling point. Answer: tert-Butyl alcohol

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