alkanes with even number of C- atoms show more increase in melting point than with odd number of carbon atoms . what is this phenomenon as? meritnation

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Solution

There is more symmetry and vanderwaal forces in alkanes having even number of carbon atoms . The melting point depends on shape , size and packing of the molecules . The alkane containing even number of carbon atoms has zig zag structure and alkane containing odd number of carbon atoms has chain on the same side.Hence, even number of carbon atoms show more melting point than with odd number of carbon atoms . Even number of carbon atom has packed structure. This phenomenon is called alternation effect.

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