What is the Difference Between Tert Butyl and Isobutyl?

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Tert-butyl and isobutyl are both functional groups in organic chemistry that have the same number of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, but they differ in their spatial arrangement and bonding.

  • Tert-butyl: This is a four-carbon

Comparative Table: Tert Butyl vs Isobutyl

Tert-butyl and isobutyl are both functional groups in organic chemistry, but they have different structures and properties. Here is a table comparing their differences:

Feature Tert-Butyl Isobutyl
Structure Four carbon atoms with a double branched structure, central carbon atom attached to three methyl groups Straight-chain or 2-methyl-1-propyl structure, central carbon atom attached to two methyl groups
Systematic Name 1,1-dimethyl ethyl 2-methylpropane
Chemical Formula (CH3)3C− -C4H9
Common Abbreviations t-Bu, TB i-Bu, IB
Boiling Point 80°C 79°C
Melting Point -100°C -117°C
Dipole Moment 1.28 D 0.75 D
Acidity (pKa) 35.6 48.8

Tert-butyl has a double branched structure with the central carbon atom attached to three methyl groups, making it a tertiary carbon. On the other hand, isobutyl has a straight-chain structure or a 2-methyl-1-propyl structure with the central carbon atom attached to two methyl groups.