Question

Arrange these compound by their expected boiling point:
- CH3Cl
- CH4
- CH3OH

Answer 1

CH4 has the lowest boiling point due to weak London dispersion forces, CH3Cl has a higher boiling point because of its dipole-dipole interactions, and CH3OH has the highest boiling point because it can form hydrogen bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

To arrange CH3Cl, CH4, and CH3OH by their expected boiling points, consider the types of intermolecular forces each compound can exhibit. Methane (CH4) is a nonpolar molecule and only has weak London dispersion forces. Chloromethane (CH3Cl) is slightly polar due to the difference in electronegativity between chlorine and carbon, resulting in stronger intermolecular forces compared to methane. Methanol (CH3OH) is capable of hydrogen bonding, which is a much stronger force than the dispersion forces and dipole-dipole interactions present in the other two compounds.

Consequently, the order of increasing boiling points will be:

1. CH4 (lowest boiling point)
2. CH3Cl
3. CH3OH (highest boiling point)