Which of the following hydrocarbons has stronger London dispersion forces ?

Step-by-step solution

London dispersion forces increase with an increase in molecular mass and the surface area of the molecule. Methane ( CH₄ ) and ethane ( C₂H₆ ) have lower molecular masses compared to n-pentane and neo-pentane ( C₅H₁₂ ), resulting in weaker dispersion forces. Between n-pentane and neo-pentane, n-pentane is a straight-chain alkane, whereas neo-pentane is highly branched and nearly spherical. The straight-chain structure of n-pentane provides a larger surface area for intermolecular contact compared to the compact str