Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321768418
ISBN 13: 978-0-32176-841-4

Chapter 3 - Structure and Stereochemistry of Alkanes - Study Problems - Page 130: 3-40 a

Answer

Boiling point of octane is higher.

Work Step by Step

Both the given compounds have the same molecular formula, hence the same molecular weight. So the difference in their boiling points is due to branching. 2,2,3-trimethylpentane has branched molecules but octane has linear molecules. Due to this, there is increased van der waals attractions among molecules of octane, leading to its higher boiling point.
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