Name the compound, (CH3)3CH

Name the compound, (CH3)3CH

The correct answer and explanation is:

The correct name of the compound (CH₃)₃CH is 2-methylpropane.

Explanation:

The molecular formula (CH₃)₃CH can be expanded as:

• Three methyl groups (CH₃) are bonded to a central carbon atom (C).
• The central carbon is also bonded to one hydrogen atom (H).

This results in a total of four carbon atoms arranged in a branched structure. The structure looks like this:

       CH3
        |
CH3 — C — H
        |
       CH3

This molecule is an alkane, meaning it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms and is saturated with hydrogen. Its structure includes a main chain of three carbon atoms, and a methyl group is attached to the second carbon atom in the chain.

To name this compound according to IUPAC rules:

1. Identify the longest continuous carbon chain. The main chain is propane, which contains three carbon atoms.
2. Identify and name the substituent. There is one methyl group (CH₃) attached.
3. Number the main chain from the end closest to the substituent to give the substituent the lowest possible number. The methyl group is on carbon 2.
4. Combine the name: The substituent (methyl) and its position (2) are added as a prefix to the name of the main chain (propane).

Thus, the name becomes 2-methylpropane.

This compound is also known by its common name: isobutane. Isobutane is a structural isomer of butane, meaning it has the same molecular formula (C₄H₁₀) but a different arrangement of atoms. While butane has a straight-chain structure, isobutane has a branched structure, which affects its physical and chemical properties such as boiling point and reactivity.