Naming organic compounds

2 marks · Normal

State the IUPAC name for the organic compound with the following structural formula:

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butane

Also accept: Butane

Common mistakes: butene; pentane

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · Recognises it is a straight-chain alkane and identifies the number of carbon atoms (4 carbons, so "but-" prefix)

A1 · 1 mark · Gives the correct IUPAC name: butane

Worked solution

The structure CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ has four carbon atoms in a straight chain. The prefix for four carbons is 'but-', and since all bonds are single (alkane), the IUPAC name is butane.