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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain of the compound. Count each carbon atom connected in a straight line without branching.
2. Write down the corresponding alkane name based on the number of carbons in the chain. Recall that the alkane names are: methane (1 carbon), ethane (2 carbons), propane (3 carbons), butane (4 carbons), pentane (5 carbons), hexane (6 carbons), and so on.
3. 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.
4. Since the compound is a straight chain with 5 carbon atoms and no branches, the correct IUPAC name corresponds to the alkane with 5 carbons, which is named by the prefix 'pent-' plus the suffix '-ane'.
5. Combine the prefix and suffix to form the full IUPAC name: \(\text{pentane}\).