A volatile liquid is a liquid that evaporates readily at normal temperature). Volatility is a material quality that describes how readily a substance vaporizes). Scientists commonly use the boiling point of a liquid as the measure of volatility. A liquid with a low boiling point will begin to boil faster than liquids with higher boiling points. Much less energy (in the form of heat) is required to break the intermolecular bonds of a volatile liquid than those of liquids having higher boiling points. The major attractive forces between molecules in a liquid are called hydrogen bonds. Less hydrogen bonding is expected between molecules of a volatile liquid compared with other less volatile liquids).

Key points about volatile liquids include:

• Volatile liquids have low boiling points).
• Solids are much less volatile than liquids, but there are some exceptions).
• Organic chemicals that easily form vapors are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Examples of volatile liquids include ethanol, acetone, and methanol. Highly volatile substances such as rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) will quickly evaporate, while a substance with low volatility such as vegetable oil will remain condensed).

In summary, a volatile liquid is a liquid that evaporates readily at normal temperature. The volatility of a liquid depends on its chemical properties, such as its boiling point and intermolecular forces.