Practice Problem 4

Name the following compound.

Solution

This compound is a derivative of pentane because the longest chain contains five carbon atoms. There are three identical CH₃ substituents on the backbone. Two of these methyl groups are on the second carbon, and one is on the fourth. This compound is therefore 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. Since it contains a total of eight carbon atoms, it is also known by the common name isooctane.