Why can't we name this compound as 4-ethyl-5-methyloctane?

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SUMMARY

The correct IUPAC name for the compound in question is 5-ethyl-4-methyloctane, not 4-ethyl-5-methyloctane. This naming convention is dictated by the alphabetical order of substituents, where "ethyl" precedes "methyl," resulting in a lower number for "ethyl." While both names may refer to the same molecule, adherence to IUPAC nomenclature is essential for clarity in chemical communication.

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physicsmaths1613
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5-ethyl-4-methyloctane. Why can't we name this compound as
4-ethyl-5-methyloctane?
 
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Practically, it makes no difference. Any chemist would know what molecule you're referring to. Technically (and I mean that in the worst possible way) the correct name according to IUPAC rules is 4-ethyl-5-methyloctane, because "ethyl" comes before "methyl" alphabetically, so "ethyl" gets a lower number assigned to it than "methyl".
 
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