What is the structural formula of 2 Methyl and 4 ethylhexane

What is the structural formula of 2 Methyl and 4 ethylhexane

The correct answer and explanation is:

The structural formula for 2-methyl-4-ethylhexane is:

CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-CH3

This formula indicates a six-carbon chain with two substituents: a methyl group (CH3) at the second position and an ethyl group (CH2CH3) at the fourth position.

Explanation:

• Hexane is the base compound with six carbon atoms and a linear chain structure: CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3. This gives us the backbone of the molecule.
• 2-Methyl refers to a methyl group (CH3) attached to the second carbon atom in the hexane chain. This introduces branching to the structure at the second position.
• 4-Ethyl refers to an ethyl group (CH2CH3) attached to the fourth carbon atom in the hexane chain. This adds another branching point further down the chain.

The numbering of the carbon atoms in hexane starts from the leftmost carbon atom, ensuring the substituents are placed at the lowest possible positions. If we start at the left, the chain is numbered as follows:

1. The first carbon (CH3) is at position 1.
2. The second carbon (CH2) is at position 2, where the methyl group (CH3) is attached.
3. The third carbon (CH2) is at position 3.
4. The fourth carbon (CH2) is at position 4, where the ethyl group (CH2CH3) is attached.
5. The fifth carbon (CH2) is at position 5.
6. The sixth carbon (CH3) is at position 6.

Thus, the 2-methyl-4-ethyl prefix indicates the locations of the methyl and ethyl substituents attached to the hexane backbone. This is a branched alkane where the parent structure is hexane with two alkyl groups attached to specific positions on the chain.