intermolecular forces

Problem # 1287
 

Rank each set of compounds in order of decreasing boiling point (1 = highest boiling point):

a) ethane, n-octane, n-pentane

b) n-butane, 1-butanol, 1-chlorobutane.

c) n-octane, 2-methylheptane, 2,5-dimethylhexane

 

(Note that the n- prefix before an alkane just means that it's one chain, without any branching.)