Straight-chain alkanes physical properties

Isomers are substances having the same molecular formula and molecular weight, but differing in physical and chemical properties. Since branched and straight-chain alkanes with the same molecular formula can exist as distinct structures having different geometrical arrangement of the atoms, they are termed structural isomers. One example is C H,j (butane) which has two isomers ... 

Fig. 1-7. Dependence of some physical properties on the number of carbon atoms for straight-chain alkanes. (Data from Table A-1)...

Branched-chain alkanes do not exhibit the same smooth gradation of physical properties as the straight-chain alkanes. 

Alkanes having a particular molecular formula can exist as different constitutional isomers. For example, the alkane having the molecular formula C4H10can exist as two constitutional isomers-the straight chain alkane (butane) or the branched alkane (2-methylpropane Following fig.). These are different compounds with different physical and chemical properties. 

Table 2.1 Nomenclature and Physical Properties of Straight-Chain Alkanes...

Tables 2.4 and 2.6 show some physical properties of straight-chain and cyclic alkanes. Why do the boiling points increase as the number of carbons in the...

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