Comparative Boiling Points of Functional Groups
In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. Various functional groups confer distinct physical and chemical properties to the molecules they are part of, influencing reactivity, polarity, and solubility. Consider the following compounds, each containing a different functional group:
A. Ethanol (C2H6O), which contains a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group.
B. Acetic acid (C2H4O2), which contains a carboxyl (-COOH) functional group.
C. Benzaldehyde (C7H6O), which contains an aldehyde (-CHO) functional group.
D. Butylamine (C4H11N), which contains an amine (-NH2) functional group.
Based on your knowledge of functional groups, which of the following compounds would have the highest boiling point and why?