Name this molecule: CH3CH(CH3)CH3

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Name this molecule: CH3CH(CH3)CH3

Explanation:
Naming branched alkanes involves choosing the longest continuous carbon chain as the base and then naming any substituent groups with their positions. In this molecule, there are four carbons in total, but the longest chain you can trace is three carbons, so the base name is propane. There is a single methyl group attached to the second carbon of that chain, giving a methyl substituent at position 2. So the name is 2-methylpropane. This is the same compound commonly called methylpropane (also known as isobutane). It’s not pentane, since five carbons would be needed in the main chain, and it’s not ethane or propane because the structure includes that methyl substituent on a propane backbone.

Naming branched alkanes involves choosing the longest continuous carbon chain as the base and then naming any substituent groups with their positions. In this molecule, there are four carbons in total, but the longest chain you can trace is three carbons, so the base name is propane. There is a single methyl group attached to the second carbon of that chain, giving a methyl substituent at position 2. So the name is 2-methylpropane. This is the same compound commonly called methylpropane (also known as isobutane). It’s not pentane, since five carbons would be needed in the main chain, and it’s not ethane or propane because the structure includes that methyl substituent on a propane backbone.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy