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Straight Chain - Branched Chain - Boiling Point.
A straight
chain is made from carbon
atoms
which are joined onto no more than two
other carbon atoms.
Of
the isomers of butane,
n-butane has a straight
chain.
A branched
chain is made from carbon atoms where at least
one carbon* atom is joined onto more than two
other carbon atoms.
2-methylpropane
has a branched
chain.
The two isomers have different
boiling points (and
other physical
properties).
n-butane
has a higher boiling point than
2-methylpropane.
In general, straight
chain molecules have a higher
boiling point
than isomers with a branched
chain.
The reason is that straight
chain molecules can line up
beside each other
more effectively than branched
chain molecules
and therefore have a higher intermolecular
force of attraction.
In addition to straight
chains and branched
chains,
carbon atoms can form rings.
Headings Hydrocarbons Search Questions 
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Copyright © 2007 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.