Which compound would evaporate the most quickly from identical containers at identical temperatures? A) C7H16
B) C7H15OH
C) C7H15NH2
D) C5H12
E) C6H13COOH

D) C5H12

Explanation:

The rate of evaporation of a solution depends on the nature of intermolecular forces in the solution. The stronger the magnitude of intermolecular forces present the lower the rate of evaporation.

If we consider the compounds; C7H15OH, C7H15NH2 and C6H13COOH, the presence of polar groups implies that dipole-dipole interactions are present in the molecule leading to stronger intermolecular interaction and a slower rate of evaporation.

On the other hand; C7H16 and C5H12 are alkanes. The intermolecular forces that exists between their molecules is the weak dispersion forces. However, the magnitude of dispersion forces increases as the molecular mass of the compound increases.

Hence, C5H12 has the fastest rate of evaporation since it has the lowest molecular mass.