What is the IUPAC name of the compound with the structure ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$?

• A. Butane
• B. Pentane
• C. Propane
• D. Methane

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain of the given compound. Here, the structure is CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3, which contains 4 carbon atoms in a row.
2. Recall the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, where the prefix indicates the number of carbon atoms: 'meth-' for 1, 'eth-' for 2, 'prop-' for 3, 'but-' for 4, and 'pent-' for 5 carbons.
3. Since the compound has 4 carbon atoms and only single bonds (alkane), the suffix '-ane' is used to indicate it is a saturated hydrocarbon.
4. Combine the prefix for 4 carbons ('but-') with the suffix for an alkane ('-ane') to form the name 'butane'.
5. 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'.