Write IUPAC name of the following alkanes:

Question

1. (CH3)3-C-CH2-CH2-CH3
Would the name be 2,2-dimethylpentane?

Wouldn't it look like this:

CH3-C-CH2-CH2-CH3 with a CH3 on the top and bottom of the C, which would be the 2nd carbon... right? I don't understand why it would be the first carbon and not the second.

Answer 1

You mean this

CH3-C(CH3)2-CH2-CH2-CH3
that is 2,2 dimethylpentane

Notice the second carbon and attached shorthand.

I have no idea what (CH3)3-C-...looks like unless it is this

CH3-C(CH3)2-CH2-CH2-CH3 which is 2,2 dimethyl pentane. However, as I indicated above, that your (CH3)3-C- is NOT the way to write it.