Coding for branched chains

2 marks · Easy

A student names the following compound as "2-methylpropane":

Main chain of 3 carbons (numbered 1–3), with methyl groups attached to both carbon 2 and carbon 3.

State if this name is correct and explain your answer.

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No, the name is not correct. The correct name is 2,3-dimethylpropane because there are two methyl groups at carbons 2 and 3.

Also accept: 2,3-dimethylpropane

Common mistakes: 2-methylpropane

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · States whether the given name is correct (No/Incorrect).

A1 · 1 mark · Correctly explains that the correct name is 2,3-dimethylpropane and refers to both side chains and their positions.

Worked solution

No, the name '2-methylpropane' is not correct because there are two methyl groups: one at carbon 2 and one at carbon 3. The correct IUPAC name is 2,3-dimethylpropane.