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Multiple Choice
What is the IUPAC name for the molecule with the structure ?
A
Methane
B
Propane
C
Pentane
D
Butane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular formula of the given structure. The structure shows a chain of four carbon atoms connected in a row, each bonded to the appropriate number of hydrogens to satisfy carbon's tetravalency.
Count the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain. Here, the chain has 4 carbon atoms.
Recall the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, which are hydrocarbons with only single bonds. The names are based on the number of carbons: 1 carbon = methane, 2 carbons = ethane, 3 carbons = propane, 4 carbons = butane, 5 carbons = pentane, and so on.
Since the longest chain has 4 carbons, the base name of the molecule is 'butane'.
Confirm that there are no branches or substituents on the chain that would modify the name. Since the molecule is a straight chain alkane with no branches, the IUPAC name is simply 'butane'.