IUPAC Name of C₉H₂₀ | 4-ethyl-2-methylhexane

What is the IUPAC name of C₉H₂₀?

The IUPAC name of C₉H₂₀ is 4-ethyl-2-methylhexane. It is a alkane with a 6-carbon parent chain (hexane) with substituents: methyl at position 2, ethyl at position 4.

FormulaC₉H₂₀
IUPAC Name4-ethyl-2-methylhexane
Compound ClassAlkane
Parent Chainhexane (6 carbons)
Substituentsmethyl at C2, ethyl at C4
DifficultyAdvanced

Step 1: Identify the Parent Chain

The longest continuous carbon chain in C₉H₂₀ 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. 4-ethyl-2-methylhexane has 2 substituents:

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 4-ethyl-2-methylhexane.

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