Answer. Straight chain compounds are those in which carbon atom links with other carbon atoms or other atoms through a single, double or triple bonds forming a straight chain. Branched chain compounds are those, in which there is a branch along a straight chain, such:
H3C-CH2-CH2- CH3 H3C-CH2-CH2
Straight chain (n- butane) CH3
Branched chain (isobutane)