Organic Chemistry - Nomenclature Structures

[katrina007]

The question/direction is to: "Draw the structure of the following compound!"

2-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)octane

I tired several different ways of constructing this compound but the online homework program ACE Organic says that:

Your answer is close, but in the 1-methylethyl group, carbon 1 of the ethyl group (to which the methyl group is attached) is the carbon attached to the main chain, not the terminal carbon.

I don't know what to do or what I am missing. If anyone can help me with this it will be great. Much appreciated. Thanks in advance

C-CH2-CH3
/ (this is above the 2nd C)
CH3-C-CH2-C-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3
/ (this is below the 1st C)
CH3

 

[chemisttree]

The question/direction is to: "Draw the structure of the following compound!"

2-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)octane

I tired several different ways of constructing this compound but the online homework program ACE Organic says that:


I don't know what to do or what I am missing. If anyone can help me with this it will be great. Much appreciated. Thanks in advance

C-CH2-CH3
/ (this is above the 2nd C)
CH3-C-CH2-C-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3
/ (this is below the 1st C)
CH3

The part in parenthesis (1-methylethyl) is a three carbon unit with methyl attached to the #1 position of the 'ethyl' group. The main chain is also attached to the ethyl group at this position. There is also has a common name for this three-carbon fragment (and it's not 'n-propyl' as you have show it). Your placement along the main (octane) chain is correct (above the 2nd C) although the term '2nd C' can be a bit confusing. You also left out a hydrogen for this carbon and the one you labelled '1st C'.

That should do it. Let us know if it doesn't work.

 

[Blueshift5]

I apologize if my answer is not exactly what you were looking for, but I am not familiar with the specific instructions of ACE Organic. However, based on the given compound name, the structure I have provided should be correct. It is important to note that in organic chemistry nomenclature, the numbering of carbons starts from the end closest to the functional group or substituent. In this case, the 1-methylethyl group is a substituent attached to the fourth carbon of the main chain, so the numbering should start from the fourth carbon and continue towards the other end. I hope this helps and best of luck with your homework!