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

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula of the compound by counting the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain. Here, the structure is CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3, which contains 4 carbon atoms.
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 in a straight chain and contains only single bonds, it is classified as an alkane with the suffix '-ane'.
4. Combine the prefix for 4 carbons ('but-') with the suffix for alkanes ('-ane') to form the name 'butane'.
5. Confirm that there are no branches or functional groups that would modify the name, so the correct IUPAC name is simply 'butane'.