Ignoring the possibility of stereoisomers, what is the IUPAC name of the following substance: ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$?

• A. Undecane
• B. Octane
• C. Nonane
• D. Decane

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the longest continuous carbon chain in the molecule. The given structure is a straight chain of carbon atoms without any branches or functional groups.
2. Step 2: Count the number of carbon atoms in the chain. Each \( \text{CH}_3 \) or \( \text{CH}_2 \) group represents one carbon atom. Count all carbons from one end to the other.
3. Step 3: Use the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, which is based on the number of carbons in the longest chain. The prefixes are: Meth- (1), Eth- (2), Prop- (3), But- (4), Pent- (5), Hex- (6), Hept- (7), Oct- (8), Non- (9), Dec- (10), Undec- (11), etc.
4. Step 4: Since the molecule is a straight chain alkane with no branches or functional groups, the name is simply the prefix corresponding to the number of carbons plus the suffix '-ane'.
5. Step 5: Match the number of carbons counted to the correct prefix and write the full IUPAC name as \( \text{prefix} + \text{'ane'} \). For example, if there are 10 carbons, the name is Decane.