Place the following compounds in order of increasing strength of intermolecular forces.

a. CH3CH3 CH3 (CH2) 8CH3 CH3CH2CH2CH3

b. CH3CH3 < CH3 (CH2) 8CH3 < CH3CH2CH2CH3

c. CH3CH2CH2CH3 < CH3CH3 < CH3 (CH2) 8CH3

d. CH3 (CH2) 8CH3 < CH3CH3 < CH3CH2CH2CH3

e. CH3CH3 < CH3CH2CH 2CH3 < CH3 (CH2) 8CH3

f. CH3 (CH2) 8CH3 < CH3CH2CH2CH3 < CH3CH3

CH3 (CH2) 8CH3 > CH3CH2CH2CH3 > CH3CH3 (Option f)

Explanation:

Larger and heavier atoms and molecules exhibit stronger dispersion forces than smaller and lighter ones. In a larger atom or molecule, the valence electrons are, on average, farther from the nuclei than in a smaller atom or molecule. They are less tightly held and can more easily form temporary dipoles.

CH3CH3 has a molar mass of 30.07 g/mol

CH3 (CH2) 8CH3 has a molar mass of 142.28 g/mol

CH3CH2CH2CH3 has a molar mass of 58.12 g/mol

CH3 (CH2) 8CH3 > CH3CH2CH2CH3 > CH3CH3 (Option f)