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Multiple Choice
What is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the structure ?
A
Methane
B
Butane
C
Propane
D
Pentane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain of the compound. The structure given is CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3, which contains 4 carbon atoms in a row.
Recall the IUPAC naming convention for alkanes, where the suffix '-ane' is used for saturated hydrocarbons, and the prefix indicates the number of carbon atoms: 1 carbon = methane, 2 carbons = ethane, 3 carbons = propane, 4 carbons = butane, 5 carbons = pentane, etc.
Since the compound has 4 carbon atoms and is fully saturated (only single bonds), the base name will be 'butane'.
Verify that there are no branches or substituents attached to the main chain, which would require additional naming steps such as numbering and naming substituents. In this case, the molecule is a straight chain with no branches.
Conclude that the correct IUPAC name for the compound CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3 is 'butane'.