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Multiple Choice
What is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the structure ?
A
Propane
B
Butane
C
Pentane
D
Methane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain of the compound. The structure given is CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3, which contains 4 carbon atoms in a row.
Recall the IUPAC naming convention 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.
Since the compound has 4 carbon atoms, the correct prefix is 'but-'. The suffix '-ane' is used for alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons with only single bonds.
Combine the prefix and suffix to form the name 'butane' for the compound with 4 carbon atoms and no double or triple bonds.
Verify that there are no branches or functional groups that would change the base name; since the compound is a straight-chain alkane, the correct IUPAC name is 'butane'.