Name the following alkanes

1. 2–methylbutane

2. 3,4,6–trimethyloctane

3. 3,3–diethylpentane.

Explanation:

To name the compound, we must do the following:

1. Locate the longest continuous carbon chain. This gives the parent name of the compound.

2. Identify the substituent attached.

3. Give the substituents the lowest possible count.

4. Combine the above to get the name of the compound.

Now, let us name the compound given in the question.

1a. The longest continuous carbon chain is carbon 4 i.e butane.

b. The substitute attached is CH3 i.e methyl.

c. The position of the methyl is at carbon 2.

d. The name of the compound is:

2–methylbutane.

2a. The longest continuous carbon chain is carbon 8 i.e octane

b. The substitute attached is CH3 i.e methyl.

c. The position of the methyl is at carbon 3, 4 and 6

d. The name of the compound is:

3,4,6–trimethyloctane.

3a. The longest continuous carbon chain is carbon 5 i.e pentane

b. The substitute attached CH2CH3 i.e ethyl.

c. The position of the ethyl is at carbon 3 and 3 i.e ethyl appears twice at carbon 3.

d. The name of the compound is:

3,3–diethylpentane.