Answer to Question #92382 in Organic Chemistry for Ata Goiye

Question

What is the difference between a straight-chain and a branched alkane?

Answer 1

A straight-chain alkane is characterized by the linear junctions between carbon atoms. In other words, all the carbon atoms are connected and form a line. As a result, each carbon atom form two bonds except two terminal carbons which form only one bond. In branched-chain alkane, all the carbon atoms are not joined in a linear chain as some of the carbon atoms form side chains. As a result, each carbon atom can be bound to several other carbons resulting in the branched alkane possessing more than two terminals.