---
title: "The structural formulas of two constitutional isomers with the molecular formula \\(\\text{C}_5\\text{H}_{12}\\) are shown in the table below.  | Compound | Structural formula | | :— | :— | | Pentane | \\(\\text{CH}_3\\text{CH}_2\\text{CH}_2\\text{CH}_2\\text{CH}_3\\) | | \\(2,2\\text{-dimethylpropane}\\) | \\(\\text{C}(\\text{CH}_3)_4\\) |  Which of the following correctly identifies the compound with the higher normal boiling point and provides the correct justification?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119568/"
date_modified: "2026-08-21T06:53:51+00:00"
---

# The structural formulas of two constitutional isomers with the molecular formula \(\text{C}_5\text{H}_{12}\) are shown in the table below.

| Compound | Structural formula |
| :— | :— |
| Pentane | \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3\) |
| \(2,2\text{-dimethylpropane}\) | \(\text{C}(\text{CH}_3)_4\) |

Which of the following correctly identifies the compound with the higher normal boiling point and provides the correct justification?

The structural formulas of two constitutional isomers with the molecular formula \(\text{C}_5\text{H}_{12}\) are shown in the table below.

| Compound | Structural formula |
| :--- | :--- |
| Pentane | \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3\) |
| \(2,2\text{-dimethylpropane}\) | \(\text{C}(\text{CH}_3)_4\) |

Which of the following correctly identifies the compound with the higher normal boiling point and provides the correct justification?

- **A.** Pentane, because its unbranched chain contains stronger covalent \(\text{C}-\text{C}\) bonds that require more thermal energy to break during vaporization.
- **B.** Pentane, because its extended molecular shape provides a greater surface area for contact between molecules, resulting in stronger London dispersion forces.
- **C.** \(2,2\text{-dimethylpropane}\), because its compact spherical shape allows molecules to pack more closely together, resulting in stronger dipole-dipole attractions.
- **D.** \(2,2\text{-dimethylpropane}\), because the four methyl groups attached to a central carbon create an asymmetric charge distribution and a permanent molecular dipole.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119568/*