A student named a compound 2-methyl-2-ethylbutane. Although this name correctly represents the connectivity of the compound, it is not a valid IUPAC name. What is the correct IUPAC name of this compound?
A) 2-ethyl-2-methylbutane
B) 3,3-dimethylpentane
C) 2,2-diethylpropane
D) 2,2-dimethylpentane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct IUPAC name for the compound 2-methyl-2-ethylbutane is actually 3,3-dimethylpentane. In this name, the parent chain is pentane, indicated by the "-ane" ending, and the two methyl groups are each located on the third carbon atom from each end of the chain, indicated by the "3,3-" prefix. The "di" prefix is used because there are two of the same substituent. "2-methyl-2-ethylbutane" is not a valid name because the "butane" ending implies a four-carbon parent chain, rather than five, and the order of the substituents in the name does not match their actual location on the molecule. Therefore, option B is the correct choice.

A Student Named a Compound 2-Methyl-2-Ethylbutane