What is the correct way to name alkanes with multiple branches?

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SUMMARY

The correct naming of alkanes with multiple branches involves identifying the longest carbon chain and naming the substituents accurately. In the discussion, the first problem is correctly identified as 2,3-dimethylbutane for the structure (CH3)2CHCH(CH3)2. The second problem is named 2-butyl-3-ethylbutane for the 6-carbon chain with branches at C2 and C3. The third problem, which involves an 8-carbon chain with branches at C3 and C4, is incorrectly proposed as 4-ethyl-4,3-dimethyloctane; the correct name requires further clarification.

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Suzyscans
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1. This is my first posting, I am having trouble naming alkanes. I believe my first two problems are correct, but am unsure. The third problem I am having trouble with. I am just not sure what to name the branches coming off the carbon chain.
2.

1. (CH3)2CHCH(CH3)2 2. CH2Ch2CH2CH3
l
CH3CH2CH2CHCH2C--H
l l
CH3CH2 H3.
CH3 H
l l
CH3CH2CH2CH2--C--C--CH2CH3
l l
CH2 CH3
l
CH3

3. Problem 1 :4-carbon chain makes it butane. The branches at both C2 and C3 are methyl, so the name is 2,3-dimethylbutane.

Problem 2: 6-carbon chain makes it hexane. The branch at C2 is butyl. The branch at C3 is ethyl, so the name is 2-butyl-3-ethylbutane.

Problem 3:
8-carbon chain= octane
branch at C3 is methyl
branches at 4C are methyl and ethyl
That is where I get stuck on the name. Is it 4-ethyl-4,3-dimethyloctane??

Thanks very much for your input!
 
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I can't get the equations to display properly! I will edit as soon as I figure it out :)
 
You have 1) correct.
 

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