4.3.6

Boiling Points of Alkanes

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Boiling Points of Alkanes

Alkanes come in a huge range of shapes and molecular formulae. The difference in structures means that alkanes have a wide range of melting and boiling points.

Illustrative background for Straight-chain alkanesIllustrative background for Straight-chain alkanes ?? "content

Straight-chain alkanes

  • For straight-chain alkanes, the boiling point increases with chain length.
    • Longer chained molecules have the opportunity for greater interactions via induced dipole-dipole interactions when they align next to one another.
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Branched alkanes

  • Branching reduces the boiling point of alkanes.
    • This is because branching reduces the extent to which two molecules can align and form induced dipole-dipole interactions.
Illustrative background for Reactivity of alkanesIllustrative background for Reactivity of alkanes ?? "content

Reactivity of alkanes

  • Alkanes are generally unreactive. This is because:
    • High bond enthalpy means large amounts of energy are required to break the bonds.
    • Sigma bonding means that there is a lack of bond polarity.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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