Why should the properties of structural isomers differ?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 28, 2016

Look at the isomeric pentanes.........

Explanation:

"H"_3"CCH"_2"CH"_2"CH"_2"CH"_3, "n-pentane", "H"_3"CCH(CH"_3")CH"_2"CH"_3, "isopentane", "C(CH"_3")"_4, "neopentane".

These have respective boiling points of 36 ""^@C, 30 ""^@C, and 9.5 ""^@C; this is a fairly wide boiling point range for C_5H_12. Clearly, the more branched the isomer, the less opportunity there are for chain-chain interactions, and the less intermolecular interaction, the lower the boiling point. And thus even for a short-chain hydrocarbon, isomerism affects volatility.

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