In: Chemistry
Place these hydrocarbons in order of decreasing boiling point. Rank from highest to the lowest boiling point. To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.
Paraffin, butane, octane, (2,2,4 trimethylpentane), octadecane
Order of Boiling point (BP)- Highest to the lowest
Paraffin, Octadecane ,Octane, 2,2,4 trimethylpentane, butane
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Explanation:
Some useful thumb rules in deciding boiling points:
1 Solids have higher boiling point than liquids and gases
2.Among hydrocarbons, boiling point increases with increase in molecular weight
3.Branched chain hydrocarbons have lower boiling points than straight chain ismers
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Paraffin -Solid -Highest BP
Butane - Least molecular weight - lowest BP
The molecular weight of Octadecane (CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CH₃) is greater than those of Octane, 2,2,4 trimethylpentane which are isomeric MF C8H18
Therefore the BP of Octadecane (CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CH₃) is greater than those of Octane, 2,2,4 trimethylpentane
Octane is a straight chain alkene whereas the isomeric 2,2,4 trimethylpentane has branched chain.Therefore between these two compounds Octane has a higher BP
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BP Values
Paraffin, greater than 370 deg C
Octadecane 317 deg C
,Octane, 125 deg C
2,2,4 trimethylpentane, 99 deg C
butane -1 deg C