Chapter 16.5, Problem 3QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct option has to be chosen from the given options considering the boiling point of carboxylic acids in comparison with alcohols of similar molecular mass.

Concept Introduction:

Physical property of carboxylic acid is decided by the carbon chain and the functional group.  Carboxylic acids are highly polar, as the carboxyl group is more polar.  Due to this polar nature, the melting and boiling point are very high than any other organic compound.  Monocarboxylic acids that are unsubstituted which contains up to nine carbon atoms are present in liquid state.  They have very sharp odor.  Monocarboxylic acids that have more than ten carbon atoms in an unbranched fashion are waxy solids.  They do not have any odor because of low volatility.  Similar to this, dicarboxylic acids and aromatic carboxylic acids do not have any odor and they are solids.