Question:easy

IUPAC name of the compound $(\text{CH}_3)_4\text{C}$ is

Show Hint

Be careful not to mix up common names and IUPAC names! "Neopentane" is a classic trap option because it is a correct name for the molecule, but the question explicitly asks for the systematic IUPAC name.
Updated On: Jun 12, 2026
  • 2-Methylbutane
  • Neopentane
  • 2,2-Dimethylpropane
  • 2-Methylpentane
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Expand the condensed formula.
$(\text{CH}_3)_4\text{C}$ means one central carbon bonded to four methyl groups. Drawing it gives a central C with CH$_3$ groups pointing up, down, left and right.
Step 2: Find the longest continuous chain.
Tracing the longest path of carbons, we can go CH$_3$-C-CH$_3$, which is three carbons in a row. No path is longer than three, so the parent chain is propane.
Step 3: Number the chain.
Numbering the three-carbon chain 1, 2, 3 places the central carbon at position 2.
Step 4: Locate the branches.
After using three carbons for the main chain, two methyl groups remain, and both hang off the central C2 carbon.
Step 5: Name the substituents.
Two methyl groups at the same position give 2,2-dimethyl.
Step 6: Assemble and choose.
Combining parent and branches gives 2,2-dimethylpropane. Neopentane is only the trivial name, not the IUPAC name, so the systematic answer is option (3).
\[ \boxed{\text{IUPAC name: 2,2-Dimethylpropane (option 3)}} \]
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