Which of the following components has the lower boiling point, cyclohexane or toluene?

In comparing the boiling points of cyclohexane and toluene, it is important to consider the molecular structure and intermolecular forces present in each compound. Cyclohexane, a cyclic alkane, has a relatively low boiling point due to its simple structure and the absence of significant polar functional groups or strong intermolecular forces.

On the other hand, toluene, which is a methyl-substituted derivative of benzene, interacts through both Van der Waals forces and has a slightly more complex structure due to the presence of the aromatic ring. This aromatic structure contributes to stronger intermolecular interactions compared to cyclohexane.

The boiling point of cyclohexane is approximately 81 degrees Celsius, while toluene has a higher boiling point, around 110 degrees Celsius. This difference is primarily due to the additional interactions in toluene that require more energy (in the form of heat) to overcome in order to reach the boiling point.

Therefore, cyclohexane is recognized as having the lower boiling point when compared to toluene, making it the correct answer. Understanding these concepts of molecular structure and intermolecular forces is key in organic chemistry and is essential for predicting boiling points of different organic compounds.