Which of the following affects the boiling point of a compound?

Which of the following affects the boiling point of a compound?

• A. The size of its molecular structure
• B. The number of hydrogen bonds only
• C. The temperature of its environment
• D. The type of solvent it is dissolved in

Answer: (A)

The boiling point of a compound is significantly influenced by the size of its molecular structure. Generally, larger molecules have higher boiling points due to increased van der Waals forces (also known as London dispersion forces) that occur between them. As the size of the molecular structure increases, so does the number of electrons, which can lead to stronger temporary dipoles and, consequently, stronger intermolecular attractions. This results in a greater amount of energy (in the form of heat) being required to break these attractions during the phase change from liquid to gas, thus increasing the boiling point. While hydrogen bonds definitely play a vital role in determining boiling points, the correct option emphasizes the overall size of the molecular structure, which encompasses a broader range of intermolecular forces that affect boiling point, including but not limited to hydrogen bonding. The temperature of the environment is also not a factor inherent to the compound itself, as it can fluctuate independently of the compound's properties. Additionally, the type of solvent is relevant when discussing solutions but does not influence the boiling point of the pure compound itself. Thus, focusing on the size of the molecular structure provides a comprehensive understanding of how boiling points are determined.

The boiling point of a compound is significantly influenced by the size of its molecular structure. Generally, larger molecules have higher boiling points due to increased van der Waals forces (also known as London dispersion forces) that occur between them. As the size of the molecular structure increases, so does the number of electrons, which can lead to stronger temporary dipoles and, consequently, stronger intermolecular attractions. This results in a greater amount of energy (in the form of heat) being required to break these attractions during the phase change from liquid to gas, thus increasing the boiling point.

While hydrogen bonds definitely play a vital role in determining boiling points, the correct option emphasizes the overall size of the molecular structure, which encompasses a broader range of intermolecular forces that affect boiling point, including but not limited to hydrogen bonding. The temperature of the environment is also not a factor inherent to the compound itself, as it can fluctuate independently of the compound's properties. Additionally, the type of solvent is relevant when discussing solutions but does not influence the boiling point of the pure compound itself. Thus, focusing on the size of the molecular structure provides a comprehensive understanding of how boiling points are determined.