Why n-pentane has higher melting point than neopentane?

Answer 1

It is because n-pentane is a straight chain hydrocarbon meaning it has more surface area to reach the boiling point, neopentane has significantly less surface area that's why it will boil quicker than n-pentane. The more branched molecule, the lower is its boiling point will be & the less branched molecule, the higher its boiling point will be. For combustion energy the opposite holds true, the more branched molecule has a higher energy than an unbranched one.

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Answer 2

N-pentane has a higher melting point than neopentane because n-pentane has a linear structure which allows its molecules to pack more closely together, leading to stronger London dispersion forces between the molecules. Neopentane, on the other hand, has a branched structure which results in less efficient packing and weaker intermolecular forces, resulting in a lower melting point.