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Multiple Choice
What is the IUPAC name for the compound with the structure ?
A
Methane
B
Propane
C
Pentane
D
Butane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular formula of the compound by counting the number of carbon atoms in the chain. The structure given is CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3, which contains 4 carbon atoms connected in a straight chain.
Recall the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, where the name depends on the number of carbon atoms: 1 carbon is methane, 2 is ethane, 3 is propane, 4 is butane, and 5 is pentane.
Since the compound has 4 carbon atoms in a continuous chain with only single bonds, it is classified as an alkane with the prefix 'but-' indicating four carbons.
Combine the prefix 'but-' with the suffix '-ane' to indicate a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane), resulting in the name 'butane'.
Verify 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 'butane'.