Given the following structure: ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$, what is the correct IUPAC name for this compound?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of carbon atoms in the given structure. Count each carbon in the chain: CH\_3 - CH\_2 - CH\_2 - CH\_2 - CH\_3 corresponds to 5 carbon atoms in a continuous chain.
2. Recall the IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes, which are named based on the number of carbons in the longest continuous chain: 1 carbon is methane, 2 is ethane, 3 is propane, 4 is butane, 5 is pentane, and 6 is hexane.
3. Since the molecule has 5 carbons in a straight chain with only single bonds, it is classified as an alkane with the prefix 'pent-' indicating five carbons and the suffix '-ane' indicating single bonds.
4. Confirm that there are no branches or functional groups attached to the main chain, which would require additional naming steps such as numbering or substituent naming.
5. Conclude that the correct IUPAC name for the compound is 'pentane' because it is a straight-chain alkane with five carbon atoms.