Question

Which of the following hydrocarbons has the highest boiling point?

a) Methane (CH₄)
b) Ethane (C₂H₆)
c) Propane (C₃H₈)
d) Butane (C₄H₁₀)

Answer 1

Butane (C₄H₁₀) has the highest boiling point among the given hydrocarbons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The boiling point of hydrocarbons generally increases with increasing molecular mass. The molecular mass of the hydrocarbons in question are as follows:

• Methane (CH₄): 16 g/mol
• Ethane (C₂H₆): 30 g/mol
• Propane (C₃H₈): 44 g/mol
• Butane (C₄H₁₀): 58 g/mol

Since the molecular mass increases as we move from methane to butane, the boiling point also increases. Therefore, butane (C₄H₁₀) has the highest boiling point among the given hydrocarbons.