IUPAC Name of C₈H₁₈ | 3-ethylhexane

What is the IUPAC name of C₈H₁₈?

The IUPAC name of C₈H₁₈ is 3-ethylhexane. It is a alkane with a 6-carbon parent chain (hexane) with a ethyl at position 3 substituent.

FormulaC₈H₁₈
IUPAC Name3-ethylhexane
Compound ClassAlkane
Parent Chainhexane (6 carbons)
Substituentsethyl at C3
DifficultyIntermediate

Step 1: Identify the Parent Chain

The longest continuous carbon chain in C₈H₁₈ contains 6 carbon atoms, giving the parent name hexane.

Step 2: Number and Name Substituents

Number the parent chain so that substituents receive the lowest possible locants. 3-ethylhexane has one substituent:

Step 3: Assemble the IUPAC Name

Combine the substituent locants and names (in alphabetical order) as prefixes to the parent chain name. If two or more identical substituents are present, use the multiplying prefixes di-, tri-, tetra-, etc. The complete IUPAC name is 3-ethylhexane.

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