A student named a particular compound 2-ethyl-3-methyl-2-butene. Assuming that the student's choice actually corresponded to the correct distribution of the double bond and the substituents, what is the correct IUPAC name for this compound?
A) 2-ethyl-3-methyl-2-butene
B) 3,4-dimethyl-3-pentene
C) 2,3-dimethyl-2-pentene
D) 2,3-dimethyl-1-pentene

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct IUPAC name for this compound is 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene. The student mistakenly called it 2-ethyl-3-methyl-2-butene, but the compound does not have an ethyl group. The correct numbering starts at the double bond, which is between carbons 2 and 3. The substituents on carbon 2 and 3 are both methyl groups. The longest chain is four carbons, so the suffix is -butene. Therefore, the correct name is 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene.

A Student Named a Particular Compound 2-Ethyl-3-Methyl-2-Butene