Mastering Naming Hydrocarbons: Tips and Tricks for Homework Assignments

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the naming of hydrocarbons in the context of a homework assignment. Participants are attempting to identify the correct IUPAC name for a hydrocarbon structure based on its longest carbon chain and substituents.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially claims the correct name is 2-ethyl-4,5-dimethylheptane based on their interpretation of the longest chain and substituents.
  • Another participant suggests that the longest chain actually contains 8 carbon atoms, implying a different structure.
  • A later reply acknowledges understanding after receiving clarification.
  • One participant asserts that the correct answer is C, which contradicts the initial claim.
  • A subsequent post corrects a previous statement, indicating that the answer key lists C as the correct answer, suggesting a potential typo in the original post.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct naming of the hydrocarbon, with multiple interpretations and corrections being presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the longest carbon chain and the correct identification of substituents, which may depend on how the structure is visualized or interpreted.

toothpaste666
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Homework Statement


chemproblem.png

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is supposed to be D but I can't figure out why, my method gave me B
counting the number of points in the longest chain there are 7 and there are only single bonds so without the branches I have heptane. there is a ethyl attached to the second point and a methyl attached to the fourth and fifth point so it should be 2-ethyl-4,5-dimethylheptane
 
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The longest chain follows the "upwards branch" and has 8 atoms.
 
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i get it now. thank you
 
The correct answer is C.
 
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woops that was a typo in the original post. The answer key has it listed as C
 

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