How Do I Correctly Name This Alkane?

[kirsten_2009]

Homework Statement

Provide an acceptable name for the alkane shown below.

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

I never get these right but...my guess would be 2-dimethyl-5-butononane? My reasoning: the longest carbon chain has 9 carbons so the base name would be nonane, there are 2 methyl groups on carbon #2 and 1 butane group in carbon #5. I'm pretty sure this is not right but could someone please point out my mistakes and give me a method as to how to get it right? Thank in advance :)

 

[DrClaude]

2-dimethyl-5-butononane?

First, buto is not a proper name. Second, you have to account for the shape of that side chain.

 

[kirsten_2009]

Ah yes, "buto" is definitely not a proper name. Also, I forgot to place the substituents in alphabetical order; Butyl should be written before dimethyl correct? I'm not sure what you mean by the "shape of the side chain". Is it that butyl group is in fact "iso-butyl"? Does this look better? 5-isobutyl-2-dimethylnonane

 

[DrClaude]

Ah yes, "buto" is definitely not a proper name. Also, I forgot to place the substituents in alphabetical order; Butyl should be written before dimethyl correct? I'm not sure what you mean by the "shape of the side chain". Is it that butyl group is in fact "iso-butyl"? Does this look better? 5-isobutyl-2-dimethylnonane

Almost. Look up the possible butyl groups: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butyl

 

[kirsten_2009]

O.k... 5-sec-butyl-2-dimethylnonane is the only other answer that kind of makes sense to me...beyond that I'd just be guessing . Thanks for the help.