The given question is incomplete. The complete question is as follows.
The boiling points for a set of compounds in a homologous series can be qualitatively predicted using intermolecular force strengths. Using their condensed structural formulas, rank the homologous series for a set of alkanes by their boiling point.
Rank from highest to lowest boiling point. To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.
butane ([tex]C_{4}H_{10}[/tex]), 3,3-dimethylpentane ([tex]C_{7}H_{16}[/tex]), hexane ([tex]C_{6}H_{14}[/tex]), and heptane ([tex]C_{6}H_{16}[/tex]).
Explanation:
It is known that boiling point is the temperature at which vapor pressure of a liquid becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure. In hydrocarbons, more linearly the carbon atoms are attached to each other more will be the boiling point of the compound because of increase in surface area of the compound.
And, more is the branching present in a compound lesser will be its boiling point.
Also, more is the intermolecular strength present in a compound more will be its boiling point.
Thus, we can conclude that given compounds are ranked from highest to lowest boiling point as follows.
heptane > hexane > 3,3-dimethyl pentane > butane
