A single carbon branch within a hydrocarbon is referred to as a methyl group, while a two carbon branch is referred to as an ethyl group. What then is the formal name for the structure shown below?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The longest carbon chain in the structure is 8 carbons. There are two substituents, one methyl group attached to carbon 3, and one ethyl group attached to carbon 4. The name would be 3,6-dimethyl-4-ethyloctane.

A Single Carbon Branch Within a Hydrocarbon Is Referred to as a Methyl