Question

Pentane (CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3) and neopentane (C(CH3)4 both have the C5H12 formula. Which compound has stronger induced dipole, induced dipole forces

Answer 1

Answer:

n-Pentane

Explanation:

All molecules possess dispersion forces. It is possible in non-polar molecules that a temporary distortion in the electron distribution of one molecule can affect the electron distribution in a neighboring molecule. This is known as  induced dipole, induced dipole forces.

However, this  induced dipole, induced dipole forces depends on the shape of the molecule. Molecules of n-pentane are capable of better interaction via  induced dipole, induced dipole forces since the molecules interact over the entire length of the molecule rather than neopentane which is more compact and nearly spherical.