Which of the following linear chain alcohols is likely to have the highest standard entropy in the liquid state? Why?

A. CH_3OH

B. CH_3CH_2OH CH_3CH_2CH_2OH

C. CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2OH

D. CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2OH

B. CH_3CH_2OH CH_3CH_2CH_2OH

Explanation:

The standard entropy of substances usually increases as the molar mass of substances increases increase. The standard entropy of substances also increases with an increase in the molecular complexity of the substances. This is because, as the

molar mass of substances increases, the energy states of the atoms are more closely spaced to each other. This implies that the absolute entropy of a substance tends to increase with increasing molecular complexity because of increase in the number of available microstates with increase in molecular complexity.

Hence the most complex structure as shown will have the highest standard entropy in the liquid state.

D. CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2OH

Explanation:

The answer is CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OH.

Because it has the longest chain between all the options. This means there are more ways in which one molecule can accommodate itself between all the other molecules in comparison to shorter chains, thus increasing the standard entropy.