Name this branched alkane shown in Figure 18-1.

3–ethyl–2,2–dimethylhexane

Explanation:

To name the compound given in the question above, do the following:

1. Determine the parent name by determining the longest continuous carbon chain. In this case, the longest continuous carbon chain is 6. Hence, the parent name is Hexane.

2. Identify the substituent group attached to the compound. In this case, we have one ethly group (–CH₂CH₃) and two methyl groups (–CH₃)

3. Locate the position of the substituents by giving them the lowest possible count. In this case,

The two methyl groups (–CH₃) are located at carbon 2

The ethly group (–CH₂CH₃) is located at carbon 3.

4. Combine the above to obtain the name of the compound.

The name of the compound is:

3–ethyl–2,2–dimethylhexane