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Multiple Choice
What is the IUPAC name of the following molecule?
A
4-ethylpentane
B
4-methylhexane
C
3-methylhexane
D
2-ethylpentane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the longest continuous carbon chain in the molecule. This will determine the base name of the compound. In this case, the longest chain has six carbon atoms, which corresponds to 'hexane'.
Number the carbon atoms in the longest chain starting from the end nearest to the substituent. This ensures the substituents have the lowest possible numbers. Here, numbering from left to right gives the substituent the lowest number.
Identify and name the substituents attached to the main chain. In this molecule, there is a methyl group (CH₃) attached to the third carbon atom of the main chain.
Combine the names of the substituents with the base name of the compound. The substituent name is prefixed to the base name, and its position is indicated by a number. Here, the name becomes '3-methylhexane'.
Ensure the name follows IUPAC nomenclature rules, which include using hyphens to separate numbers from words and commas to separate multiple numbers. The final IUPAC name is '3-methylhexane'.