Which one of the following derivatives of methane has the highest boiling point?

A. [tex] CH_4 [/tex]
B. [tex] CBr_4 [/tex]
C. [tex] CH_3Br [/tex]
D. [tex] CH_2Br_2 [/tex]
E. [tex] CHBr_3 [/tex]



Answer :

To determine which derivative of methane has the highest boiling point, we need to compare the boiling points of the given compounds:

- [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex] (Methane)
- [tex]\(CBr_4\)[/tex] (Carbon tetrabromide)
- [tex]\(CH_3Br\)[/tex] (Methyl bromide)
- [tex]\(CH_2Br_2\)[/tex] (Dibromomethane)
- [tex]\(CHBr_3\)[/tex] (Bromoform)

Here are the boiling points of each of these compounds:

- The boiling point of [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex] is -161.5°C.
- The boiling point of [tex]\(CBr_4\)[/tex] is 189.5°C.
- The boiling point of [tex]\(CH_3Br\)[/tex] is 3.6°C.
- The boiling point of [tex]\(CH_2Br_2\)[/tex] is 96.5°C.
- The boiling point of [tex]\(CHBr_3\)[/tex] is 149.5°C.

Now, let's compare these boiling points:
1. [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex] has a boiling point of -161.5°C.
2. [tex]\(CBr_4\)[/tex] has a boiling point of 189.5°C.
3. [tex]\(CH_3Br\)[/tex] has a boiling point of 3.6°C.
4. [tex]\(CH_2Br_2\)[/tex] has a boiling point of 96.5°C.
5. [tex]\(CHBr_3\)[/tex] has a boiling point of 149.5°C.

Among these values, 189.5°C is the highest boiling point, which corresponds to [tex]\(CBr_4\)[/tex].

Therefore, the derivative of methane with the highest boiling point is [tex]\(CBr_4\)[/tex].