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

• A. Butane
• B. Pentane
• C. Propane
• D. $2-Butene$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure given: it is a chain of four carbon atoms connected in a row, each bonded to the appropriate number of hydrogens to satisfy carbon's tetravalency.
2. Determine the longest continuous carbon chain in the molecule. Since there are four carbons in a straight chain, the parent hydrocarbon is an alkane with four carbons.
3. Recall the IUPAC naming convention for alkanes: the prefix indicates the number of carbons (meth-, eth-, prop-, but-, pent-, etc.) and the suffix '-ane' indicates single bonds (alkane).
4. Match the number of carbons to the correct prefix: 4 carbons correspond to 'but-', so the compound is a butane.
5. Verify that there are no double bonds or functional groups that would change the suffix or require numbering; since the structure is a simple alkane, the correct IUPAC name is 'butane'.