What effect does branching of an alkane chain have on its boiling point?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Alkanes experience intermolecular Van der Waals forces. The stronger the force,the higher the boiling point of the alkane.
As branching increases,the surface area of the molecule decreases,which results in a smaller area of contact between molecules.
Consequently,the Van der Waals forces decrease,which can be overcome at a relatively lower temperature. Hence,the boiling point of an alkane chain decreases with an increase in branching.
For example,consider the isomers of pentane $(C_5H_{12})$:
$1$. $n$-pentane (straight chain): Highest surface area,strongest Van der Waals forces,highest boiling point $(309.1 \ K)$.
$2$. iso-pentane ($2$-methylbutane): One branch,lower surface area,lower boiling point $(301.0 \ K)$.
$3$. neo-pentane ($2$,$2$-dimethylpropane): Two branches,spherical shape,smallest surface area,lowest boiling point $(282.5 \ K)$.
Therefore,the order of boiling point is: $n$-pentane $>$ iso-pentane $>$ neo-pentane.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Which compound produces methane gas upon reaction with water?

$LPG$ mainly consists of the following:

Which of the following reagents is used for the following reaction?
$CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{3} \stackrel{?}{\longrightarrow} CH_{3}CH_{2}CHO$

Methane can be prepared by

Which hydrocarbon is produced when sodium propionate is heated with sodalime?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo