alleryStart learning →Among the isomers of C5H12, which has the weakest dispersion forces?
AIsopentane
BThe n-pentane
CAll are equal
DNeopentane
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Neopentane
1. Even though these compounds are composed of molecules with the same chemical formula, their boiling points differ.
2. That difference shows the dispersion forces in the liquid phase are different.
3. Neopentane molecules are the most compact of the three, offering the least available surface area for intermolecular contact.
4. Hence neopentane has the weakest dispersion forces and n-pentane the greatest.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 10 'Liquids and Solids', sections 10.1-10.6_
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