Tetra-tert-butylmethane
Tetra-tert-butylmethane is a hypothetical organic compound with formula C17H36, consisting of four tert-butyl groups bonded to a central carbon atom. It would be an alkane, specifically the most compact branched isomer of heptadecane.
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Preferred IUPAC name
3,3-Di-tert-butyl-2,2,4,4-tetramethylpentane | |
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Properties | |
C17H36 | |
Molar mass | 240.475 g·mol−1 |
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Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Some calculations suggest this compound cannot exist due to the steric hindrance among the closely packed tert-butyl groups, which would make it one of the smallest, if not the smallest itself, saturated and acyclic hydrocarbon that cannot exist.[1]
Other calculations suggest that the molecule would be stable, with the C–C bonds to the central ("methane") carbon having a length of 166.1 pm — longer than the typical C−C bond in order to reduce steric effects, but still shorter than those found in some other real molecules.[2]
References
- da Silva, K.M.; Goodman, J.M. (2005). "What is the smallest saturated acyclic alkane that cannot be made?". Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling. 45 (1): 81–87. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.94.8695. doi:10.1021/ci0497657. PMID 15667132.
- Cheng, M-F; Li, W-K (2003). "Structural and energetics studies of tri- and tetra-tert-butylmethane". Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 78 (1): 5492–5498. Bibcode:2003JPCA..107.5492C. doi:10.1021/jp034879r.