Final answer:
CH₄O (methyl alcohol) has the highest boiling point between the given pair due to its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds, which result in stronger intermolecular forces compared to CO₂ (carbon dioxide).
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which compound has the highest boiling point between CH₄O (methyl alcohol) and CO₂ (carbon dioxide), we need to compare their molar masses and polarities. Compounds that are polar and have higher molar masses tend to have higher boiling points due to increased intermolecular forces. Methyl alcohol (CH₄O) is both polar and possesses hydrogen bonding, a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction, which results in a higher boiling point compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is nonpolar and can only exhibit weaker London dispersion forces.
Thus, CH₄O (methyl alcohol) has the higher boiling point than CO₂ (carbon dioxide). This concept is an essential part of understanding intermolecular forces and how they affect the physical properties of compounds in Chemistry.