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 b

Answer

Boiling point of nonane is higher.

Work Step by Step

Nonane has the higher molecular weight. Also, the difference in their boiling points is also due to branching. 2-methylheptane has branched molecules but nonane has linear molecules. Due to this, there is increased van der waals attractions among molecules of nonane, and this combined with its higher molecular weight leads to its higher boiling point.
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