Question

Place the following compounds in order of decreasing strength of intermolecular forces. I. CH 3CH 2CH 2CH 2CH 2CH 3 II. (CH 3) 3CCH 3 III. (CH 3) 3CCH 2CH 3

Answer 1

Explanation:

Boiling point of an alkane depends on the number of carbon chain. More is the presence of carbon atoms in a chain, more will be the boiling point of the compound.

This means that there will be strong intermolecular forces of attraction between linear chain. This is because a linear chain occupies more surface area.

On the other hand, when there is more branching in molecules then there will be decreased surface area. Hence, less strength will be present within the molecule.

Thus, we can conclude that given compounds in order of decreasing strength of intermolecular forces are as follows.

    $CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{2}CH_{2}CH_{2}CH_{3}$ > $(CH_{3})_{3}CCH_{2}CH_{3}$ > $(CH_{3})_{3}CCH_{3}$