How Do You Name This Hydrocarbon Compound?

[Enzo]

Homework Statement

Name the following compound:

CH3CH2C(CH3)2CH(CH2CH3)CH2CH2CH3

It's an alkane (Is there a way to see that it's an alkane when it's in this format?)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I really have no idea where to start. I can name compounds when I know what the structure looks like, but I don't know how to arrange the structure when it gives it to me in this format.

 

[Borek]

Try to draw it. Each part in the parentheses is a side chain. CH3CH(CH3)CH3 is an isobutane.

 

[chemisttree]

Do as Borek suggests. The base name ending in -ane will be the longest chain. In Borek's example, the isobutane would be named as a substituted propane... 2-methylpropane to be exact.