What is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the structure ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$?

• A. propane
• B. butane
• C. pentane
• D. hexane

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of carbon atoms in the given compound. The structure shows a chain of carbons connected as CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3.
2. Count each carbon atom in the chain: CH3 (1), CH2 (2), CH2 (3), CH2 (4), CH3 (5). This gives a total of 5 carbon atoms.
3. Recall the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, where the prefix indicates the number of carbons: 'propane' for 3, 'butane' for 4, 'pentane' for 5, and 'hexane' for 6 carbons.
4. Since the compound is a straight chain alkane with 5 carbons, the correct IUPAC name corresponds to the prefix for 5 carbons plus the '-ane' suffix, which is 'pentane'.
5. Confirm that there are no branches or functional groups that would alter the base name; since none are present, the correct name remains 'pentane'.