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How do butane and isobutane differ in the arrangement of their carbon atoms?
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isomerism
Tetrahedral geometry of methane: (A) stick-and-ball model and (B) diagram showing bond angles and distances. (Plain bonds represent bonds in the plane of the image; wedge and dashed bonds represent those directed toward and away from the viewer, respectively.)
Butane and isobutane are constitutional isomers with the same molecular formula, , but they differ in the connectivity of their carbon atoms.12
- Butane (often referred to as n-butane) consists of four carbon atoms bonded together in a single, continuous, straight chain.12
- Isobutane features a branched structure, meaning its carbon atoms are not arranged in a simple straight line.12
Because of these differences in their carbon skeletons, they are distinct chemical compounds with unique physical and chemical properties, such as different boiling points.12