Explain the effect of an increase in the number of carbon atoms and branching on the boiling points of alcohols and phenols.

(N/A) The boiling points of alcohols and phenols increase with an increase in the number of carbon atoms due to an increase in the strength of van der Waals forces.
For example,the boiling points follow the order: $CH_3OH < C_2H_5OH < C_3H_7OH < C_4H_9OH$.
In alcohols,as the branching in the carbon chain increases,the boiling point decreases because the surface area decreases,which leads to a decrease in the strength of van der Waals forces.
For example,the boiling points follow the order: $CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2OH > (CH_3)_2CHCH_2OH > (CH_3)_3COH$.