What is different about the three isomers of pentane?

1 Answer
Jun 14, 2017

Well, their connectivity.........

Explanation:

We have #C_5H_12#, and form this formula we get structural isomers of #"n-pentane"#, #H_3C-CH_2CH_2CH_"CH_3#, #"isopentane"#, #H_3C-(H_3C)CHCH_2CH_3#, and #"neopentane"#, #(H_3C)_4C#.

In each isomer, the connectivity of the carbon-carbon chain is different. The isomers would have slightly different metling and boiling points, with #"n-pentane"# as the LEAST volatile. Why so?

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