Question
Carboxylic acids have higher boiling points than aldehydes, ketones and even alcohols of comparable molecular mass. It is due to:
Formation of intramolecular H-bonding
Formation of carboxylate ion
More extensive association of carboxylic acid via van der waals force of attraction
Formation of intermolecular H-bonding
Carboxylic acids possess a polar carboxyl group (-COOH) capable of forming strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Unlike alcohols, carboxylic acids can form dimers (pairs of molecules held together by two hydrogen bonds) in the vapor phase or in aprotic solvents. This extensive association effectively doubles the size of the molecule and significantly increases the energy required to separate them, resulting in boiling points that are higher than those of aldehydes, ketones, and even alcohols of comparable molecular mass. Intramolecular bonding (Option A) would generally lower the boiling point by reducing intermolecular associations.
This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.
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