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:

In order to answer this question, we must have to take our minds back to the idea of intermolecular forces. These are forces of attraction that exist between molecules of a substance.

C7H15OH, C7H15NH2 and C6H13COOH are polar molecules that are held together by hydrogen bonds in addition to dispersion forces hence they all have a slower rate of evaporation than the other two compounds that remain from the list.

We are now left with two compounds in the list; C7H16 and C5H12. The both compounds are only held together by weak dispersion forces(the are both alkanes). The magnitude of dispersion forces increases as the molar mass of the compound increases.

Hence, C5H12 evaporates the most quickly than the other substances because it has the least degree of intermolecular interaction between its molecules.