Q. Consider the following statements regarding the properties of alkanes:

1. The boiling point of alkanes increases with their molecular mass.
2. Branched alkanes have higher boiling points than their straight-chain isomers.
3. Alkanes are insoluble in water.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 3 only
Notes: Boiling points of alkanes do increase with molecular mass due to larger surface area enhancing van der Waals forces. However, branched alkanes have lower boiling points than their straight-chain counterparts, not higher. Alkanes being non-polar are insoluble in water, which is a polar solvent. Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct.