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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the structure ?
A
Propane
B
Butane
C
Pentane
D
Hexane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of carbon atoms in the given compound. The structure is \( \text{CH}_3 - \text{CH}_2 - \text{CH}_2 - \text{CH}_2 - \text{CH}_3 \), which shows a continuous chain of carbon atoms.
Count each carbon atom in the chain: there are 5 carbon atoms connected in a straight chain.
Recall the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, where the prefix indicates the number of carbon atoms: 1 (meth-), 2 (eth-), 3 (prop-), 4 (but-), 5 (pent-), 6 (hex-), etc.
Since the compound has 5 carbon atoms and is a saturated hydrocarbon (only single bonds), the correct base name is 'pentane'.
Confirm that there are no branches or functional groups that would modify the name; since the structure is a straight chain alkane, the correct IUPAC name is simply 'pentane'.