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

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure given: it is a straight chain of carbon atoms connected as CH\_3-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_2-CH\_3.
2. Count the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain. Here, there are 5 carbon atoms in a row.
3. Recall the IUPAC naming convention for alkanes, where the prefix indicates the number of carbons: 'meth-' for 1, 'eth-' for 2, 'prop-' for 3, 'but-' for 4, 'pent-' for 5, and 'hex-' for 6.
4. Since the chain has 5 carbons, the correct prefix is 'pent-'. The suffix for alkanes (single bonds only) is '-ane'.
5. Combine the prefix and suffix to get the correct IUPAC name: 'pentane'.