Example · Example 2
Q.Draw and name all the chain (structural) isomers of , and state how their boiling points compare.
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can be arranged in three distinct ways: a straight chain, (n-pentane); a singly-branched chain, (2-methylbutane, or isopentane); and a doubly-branched, highly compact chain, (2,2-dimethylpropane, or neopentane). Boiling point is set by the strength of London dispersion forces between molecules, which depend on how much surface area is available for intermolecular contact -- a long, thin, straight-chain molecule has more surface contact than a compact, near-spherical branched one, so boiling point falls steadily as branching increases: n-pentane () isopentane () neopentane ().
✓Final answer
Three isomers exist: n-pentane isopentane neopentane, in decreasing boiling point, as branching increases.
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