The melting points and boiling points of two isomeric alkanes are as follows: CH3(CH2)6CH3, mp = -57 °C and bp = 126 °C; (CH3)3CC(CH3)3, mp = 102 °C and bp = 106 °C. (a) Explain why one isomer has a lower melting point but higher boiling point. (b) Explain why there is a small difference in the boiling points of the two compounds, but a huge difference in their melting points.

Chemistry: The Molecular Science
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ISBN:9781285199047
Author:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Chapter2: Chemical Compounds
Section2.9: Organic Molecular Compounds
Problem 2.12E
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The melting points and boiling points of two isomeric alkanes are as follows: CH3(CH2)6CH3, mp = -57 °C and bp = 126 °C; (CH3)3CC(CH3)3, mp = 102 °C and bp = 106 °C. (a) Explain why one isomer has a lower melting point but higher boiling point. (b) Explain why there is a small difference in the boiling points of the two compounds, but a huge difference in their melting points.

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