Final answer:
Compound X is an isomer of butane, meaning it shares the molecular formula C₄H₁₀ but has a different arrangement of atoms, leading to varying physical properties such as boiling and melting points.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compound X has the same molecular formula as butane, which is C₄H₁₀, indicating that it is an isomer of butane. Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of the atoms within the molecule, leading to different physical and chemical properties. The variation in boiling and melting points between Compound X and butane suggests that they are structural isomers, meaning their atoms are connected differently.
For example, butane has two isomers: n-butane and isobutane (also known as 2-methylpropane). N-butane has a straight chain of carbon atoms, while isobutane has a branched structure. This difference in structure leads to variation in the intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces or London dispersion forces, between the molecules, which affects their boiling and melting points. Isobutane has a lower boiling point than n-butane due to its branched structure resulting in weaker intermolecular forces, which require less energy to overcome during the phase change.