Naming organic compounds

2 marks · Easy

The structural formula of a hydrocarbon is shown below:

Apply IUPAC rules to give the correct name for this compound.

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

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pentane

Also accept: Pentane

Common mistakes: butane; hexane

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · Identifies that there are five carbon atoms in the chain (pent- prefix).

A1 · 1 mark · Gives the full name: pentane.

Worked solution

Count the number of carbon atoms in the chain: there are 5.

The IUPAC prefix for 5 carbons is 'pent-'.

There are only single bonds, so the suffix is '-ane'.

The correct IUPAC name is pentane.