Answer to Question #331002 in General Chemistry for Siyabonga

Question

Consider the following two compounds:

          CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃   and   (CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₃

 Which statement below is INCORRECT?

a.

(CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₃ has the higher boiling point 

b.

CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃ has the higher boiling point.

c.

Greater surface area leads to more intermolecular attraction which results in a higher boiling point.

d.

As the degree of branching increases, the surface area of the molecule decreases and the potential for intermolecular attraction via London forces decreases.

Answer 1

a variant is incorrect because as the degree of branching increases, the surface area of the molecule decreases and the potential for intermolecular attraction via London forces decreases.

(CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₃ has the higher boiling point