Question

Draw the structures of the following compounds.

(a) 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)nonane

(b) 5-(1,2,2-trimethylpropyl)decane

(c) 3,3-diethyl-4-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)nonane

Short answer

(a)

(b)

(c)

Step-by-step solution

General concept

Complex alkyl groups are named by a systematic method using the longest alkyl chain as the base alkyl group. The base alkyl group is numbered beginning with the carbon atom (the “head carbon”) bonded to the main chain. The substituents on the base alkyl group are listed with appropriate numbers, and parentheses are used to set off the name of the complex alkyl group.

(a)

Longest alkyl chain is of nine carbon atoms. A branched two carbon chain is attached at fourth position of longest alkyl chain, which contains two methyl groups at first carbon position.

(b)

Longest alkyl chain is of ten carbon atoms. A branched three carbon chain is attached at fifth position of longest alkyl chain, which contains one methyl groups at first carbon position and two methyl groups at second carbon position.

(c)

Longest alkyl chain is of nine carbon atoms. Two ethyl groups are attached at third position of longest chain branched and there is branched three carbon chain attached to longest chain at fourth position containing two methyl groups at second position.