Question Details

A compound with a molecular formula of C6H14 has two tertiary carbons. Its IUPAC name is :

Options

A

n-hexane

B

2-methylpentane

C

2,3-dimethylbutane

D

2,2-dimethylbutane

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option C

2,3-dimethylbutane

2,3-dimethylbutane

Solution :

To determine the IUPAC name of the compound with the molecular formula C6H14 that contains two tertiary carbons, let's analyze the structural features step-by-step:

1. Understand the carbon classifications:
- A primary (1°) carbon is bonded to only one other carbon atom.
- A secondary (2°) carbon is bonded to two other carbon atoms.
- A tertiary (3°) carbon is bonded to three other carbon atoms.
- A quaternary (4°) carbon is bonded to four other carbon atoms.

2. Analyze the options and count their tertiary carbons:

Option 1: n-hexane
The structure of n-hexane is:
CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3
This straight-chain alkane contains only primary carbons (the two terminal methyl groups) and secondary carbons (the four internal methylene groups). It has zero tertiary carbons.

Option 2: 2-methylpentane
The structure of 2-methylpentane is:
CH3-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-CH3
Here, carbon-2 is bonded to three other carbons (carbon-1, carbon-3, and the methyl branch at carbon-2), making it a tertiary carbon. All other carbons are either primary or secondary. Thus, it contains only one tertiary carbon.

Option 3: 2,3-dimethylbutane
The structure of 2,3-dimethylbutane is:
CH3-CH(CH3)-CH(CH3)-CH3
Let's look at the carbon skeleton. Carbon-2 is bonded to carbon-1, carbon-3, and the methyl group attached to it (three carbon atoms). Carbon-3 is bonded to carbon-2, carbon-4, and the methyl group attached to it (three carbon atoms). Both carbon-2 and carbon-3 are tertiary carbons. Therefore, this compound has exactly two tertiary carbons, matching the criteria.

Option 4: 2,2-dimethylbutane
The structure of 2,2-dimethylbutane is:
CH3-C(CH3)2-CH2-CH3
In this molecule, carbon-2 is bonded to four other carbon atoms, making it a quaternary carbon. It contains zero tertiary carbons.

Conclusion:
Only 2,3-dimethylbutane has the molecular formula C6H14 and contains exactly two tertiary carbons.

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.

Discover more resources

You may also like

Mock Tests

View All
  • JEE
  • intermediate
  • 3 hours
  • chemistry, mathematics, physics
  • Proctored

  • JEE
  • intermediate
  • 3 hours
  • chemistry, mathematics, physics

Ask AI Tutor
5 left
Q1 View Question & Options
AI Tutor is solving this question...
Reading question context & options...