Coding for branched chains

1 mark · Easy

What is the systematic IUPAC name for an alkane with the following skeletal structure?

Skeletal structure: four carbon chain with a methyl group at position 3.

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3-methylbutane

Also accept: 3-methylbutane

Common mistakes: 2-methylbutane; butane

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Marking points

A1 · 1 mark · Correct IUPAC name for the structure: 3-methylbutane.

Worked solution

The longest carbon chain has 4 carbon atoms (butane). There is a methyl group attached to carbon 3. Following IUPAC conventions, the group is named based on its position (3-) and its identity (methyl). The correct name is 3-methylbutane.