What Is the Correct Name for This Alkane Structure?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the correct name for a specific alkane structure based on its carbon chain and substituents. Participants explore the naming conventions in organic chemistry, particularly focusing on the longest carbon chain and the placement of substituents.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially proposed the name "Undecane" based on counting 11 carbons and 24 hydrogens.
  • Another participant suggested finding the longest straight chain of carbons, indicating that 11 is not the correct number for the longest chain.
  • A participant identified the longest chain as having 8 carbon atoms, with an ethyl group on the 3rd carbon and a methyl group on the 5th carbon, proposing the name "3-ethyl 5-methyl octane."
  • A later reply reiterated the proposed name but expressed uncertainty about the punctuation in the naming convention.
  • Another participant confirmed the name as "3-ethyl-5-methyloctane" and acknowledged confusion regarding the use of brackets and commas in chemical names.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct name for the alkane structure, as there are differing views on the longest carbon chain and the correct naming conventions.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the correct application of punctuation in chemical naming, and participants express confusion about the rules governing these conventions.

deteam
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Homework Statement



2lswshs.jpg

Enter the name for the above alkane.

Homework Equations



How to count Carbons and Hydrogen's.

The Attempt at a Solution



My answer was "Undecane" because I counted 11 Carbons and 24 Hydrogens but it says I am wrong. Any Idea?
 
Last edited:
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FIND THE LONGEST STRAIGHT CHAIN OF CARBONS. After that,... adjust the name according to the branches.

Big hint: 11 is NOT the number of carbons in the longest chain.
 
Last edited:
so the longest chain has 8 carbon atoms, with an ethyl group coming off the 3rd atom, and a methyl group coming off the 5th atom. SO...

3-ethyl 5-methyl octane ?
 
deteam said:
so the longest chain has 8 carbon atoms, with an ethyl group coming off the 3rd atom, and a methyl group coming off the 5th atom. SO...

3-ethyl 5-methyl octane ?

Good for the identification details. I'm no longer sure about the punctuation; maybe someone else will say. (Maybe a quick review in wikipedia?)
 
OK, I know you nearly had it perfectly.

3-ethyl-5-methyloctane
 
symbolipoint said:
OK, I know you nearly had it perfectly.

3-ethyl-5-methyloctane

hi...i just get a bit confused on when to use the brackets and commas in a name or not...
 
symbolipoint said:
Good for the identification details. I'm no longer sure about the punctuation; maybe someone else will say. (Maybe a quick review in wikipedia?)

thanks you . .
 

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