How do you name this hydrocarbon?

So to mention anything about hydrocarbons, you first have to find the longest chain of carbons in the molecule! It doesn't have to be straight - it can be bent, or turn in a circle or anything like that! So if you count across this hydrocarbon, you can find the longest chain of carbons is 7! That makes it a heptane.

Next you have to look at the groups - you count in from the nearest side of hydrocarbons. So if you count in from the right side, you can see that there's a methyl group on the third carbon from the right. That makes it a 3-methylheptane! Hope that helps!

SM
Answered by Scott M. Chemistry tutor

3936 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how a compound such as Magnesium Oxide has a high melting point and conducts electricity when molten


Explain why the atomic radius of elements decreases as you move across the periodic table from the left to the right


What is an emulsion? and give some examples


Calculate the atom economy for making hydrogen when zinc is reacted with HCL?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning