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Medical College Admission Test
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

Structural Differences in Butane and Isobutane

Hard Organic Chemistry Structure And Bonding

Consider the molecular structure of butane (C4H10), which exists as both a straight-chain and a branched isomer, isobutane. The difference in structure significantly affects the physical properties such as boiling point and density of these isomers. The straight-chain isomer of butane has a higher boiling point compared to its branched counterpart due to greater surface area leading to stronger van der Waals forces. When analyzing the bonding in these compounds, one must consider factors such as hybridization, molecular geometry, and intermolecular interactions. Which statement accurately describes the structural and bonding differences between butane and isobutane?

Hint

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