Why is the melting point of saturated carbon chains greater than unsaturated carbon chains?

Unsaturated carbon chains contain one or more C-C double bonds. Due to the C-C double bonds, the chain is kinked which means it is not able to pack regularly which results in a lower melting point.

CH
Answered by Charles H. Chemistry tutor

3195 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the first ionisation energy of strontium is less than the first ionisation energy of calcium


Why is the first ionisation energy lower in barium compared to calcium?


Explain how the electron pair repulsion theory can be used to deduce the shape of, and the bond angle in, PF3


Why is the Harber process performed at higher temperatures rather than low?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning