Question

Draw the structure for 4 -ethyl-2,3-diisopropylpentane. This name is incorrect. Give the correct systematic name.

Short answer

The correct systematic name for the given compound is 2-ethyl-3,5-diisopropylpentane.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the main chain

The main chain is named as "pentane", which means it contains 5 carbon atoms connected in a linear manner. So, we start off by drawing the linear chain of 5 carbon atoms.

Add substituents

According to the given name, there are three substituents: 1. 4-ethyl (an ethyl group attached at carbon 4) 2. 2,3-diisopropyl (two isopropyl groups attached at carbon 2 and 3) Now, we add these substituents to the main chain.

Check the name of the compound

Once we draw the compound with all the substituents, we can check if the name of the compound is correct or not. To do this, we have to reorder the substituents alphabetically and re-number the carbon atoms in the main chain in such a way that the substituents have the lowest possible numbers. The substituents, in alphabetical order, are ethyl and isopropyl. Let's re-number the carbon atoms starting from the opposite end (right to left).

Give the correct systematic name

With the new numbering, the substituents are located at positions 2, 3, and 5. So, the correct systematic name for the compound is 2-ethyl-3,5-diisopropylpentane.

Key concepts

Understanding Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is a sub-discipline of chemistry that involves studying the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon atoms are unique because they can form stable bonds with many elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other carbon atoms, leading to an immense variety of compounds. These compounds can also include elements such as phosphorus, sulfur, and halogens, which contribute to the complexity and diversity seen in this area of chemistry.

This branch of chemistry is fundamental in understanding the chemical basis of life and is pivotal in numerous industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food, and materials science. A firm grasp of organic chemistry principles lays the groundwork for exploring and designing new molecules with specific properties and functions.

The Art of Naming Organic Compounds

The systematic naming of organic compounds is governed by a set of rules and conventions established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). These rules ensure that each organic molecule has a unique and universally under stood name, which reflects its structure. The IUPAC naming process involves several steps: identifying the longest carbon chain (the main chain), naming the substituents (side groups), assigning a number to each substituent's location on the main chain, and alphabetizing the substituents. Transparent and consistent naming allows chemists to communicate effectively and comprehend molecules' structures just from their names.

In the discussed exercise, renumbering the carbon atoms and reordering the substituents according to IUPAC conventions transformed the original incorrect name, 4-ethyl-2,3-diisopropylpentane, into the correct name: 2-ethyl-3,5-diisopropylpentane.

Distinguishing Structural Isomers

Structural isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but different structures. This difference in structure leads to distinct physical and chemical properties for each isomer. Recognizing isomers is crucial because it affects the substances' reactivity and interaction with biological systems.

For example, isomers can vary in the location of their functional groups, the length of the carbon chain, or the position of a double bond. What sets them apart is how their atoms are connected, which is why a correct IUPAC name is essential—it provides a clear way to identify the specific arrangement of atoms. In the textbook exercise provided, renumbering the chain properly helps to avoid incorrectly attributing similar names to different structural isomers.