Question

Describe how London dispersion forces affect the boiling points of isomeric compounds like n-pentane and neopentane.

Answer 1

• More the spread out of shapes, higher the dispersion forces present between the molecules.
• London dispersion forces are stronger in a long chain of atoms where molecules are not compact.
• For example, n-Pentane boils at 309.4 K, whereas neopentane boils at 282.7 K.
• Both the substances have the same molecular formula, C H , but npentane is longer and somewhat spread out, whereas neopentane is more spherical and compact.