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Multiple Choice
What is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the structure ?
A
Butane
B
Methane
C
Pentane
D
Propane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain of the given compound. The structure is CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3, which contains 4 carbon atoms in a row.
Recall the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, where the prefix indicates the number of carbon atoms: 'meth-' for 1, 'eth-' for 2, 'prop-' for 3, 'but-' for 4, and 'pent-' for 5 carbons.
Since the compound has 4 carbon atoms and is fully saturated (only single bonds), it belongs to the alkane family with the prefix 'but-'.
Combine the prefix with the suffix '-ane' to indicate an alkane, resulting in the name 'butane'.
Verify that there are no branches or functional groups that would modify the name; since the compound is a straight-chain alkane, the correct IUPAC name is simply 'butane'.