Question 15

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

Answer

Alkanes experience inter-molecular Van der Waals forces. The stronger the force, the greater will be the boiling point of the alkane.

As branches increases, the surface area of molecule decreases resulting in a small area of contact. As a result, the Van der Waals force also decreases which can overcome at a relatively lower temperature. Hence, the boiling point of an alkane chain decreases with an increase in branches.

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