Chapter 23, Problem 12STP

To determine

To explain: The general relationship between melting point, boiling point and the amount of branching in an isomer.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Compounds that have identical chemical formulas but different structures are termed as isomers.

The difference in the arrangement of atoms in an isomer leads to different physical and chemical properties. The greater the branching in the structure of an isomer, lower is the melting and boiling point. Thus is due to decrease in the surface area. There can be a few exceptions. For example, the melting point of neopentane is greater than that of pentane and isopentane even though the number of branches in neopentane is greater than the number of branches in pentane and isopentane.

Conclusion:

Greater the amount of branching, lesser is the melting and boiling point in an isomer.