Which IUPAC name corresponds to the structure with 10 carbon atoms?

Which IUPAC name corresponds to the structure with 10 carbon atoms?

• A. Nonane
• B. Decane
• C. Heptane
• D. Octane

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is Decane because it refers to a straight-chain alkane that contains exactly 10 carbon atoms. In IUPAC nomenclature, the prefix "dec-" is used to signify the presence of ten carbon atoms in the molecule. Alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons, follow a systematic naming convention where the number of carbon atoms determines the prefix. Nonane, which has nine carbon atoms, is indicated by the prefix "non-". Heptane contains seven carbon atoms, represented by the prefix "hept-". Octane, with eight carbon atoms, uses the prefix "oct-". Each of these names is derived from their respective number of carbon atoms, making Decane the appropriate choice for a structure with ten carbon atoms.

The correct answer is Decane because it refers to a straight-chain alkane that contains exactly 10 carbon atoms. In IUPAC nomenclature, the prefix "dec-" is used to signify the presence of ten carbon atoms in the molecule. Alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons, follow a systematic naming convention where the number of carbon atoms determines the prefix.

Nonane, which has nine carbon atoms, is indicated by the prefix "non-". Heptane contains seven carbon atoms, represented by the prefix "hept-". Octane, with eight carbon atoms, uses the prefix "oct-". Each of these names is derived from their respective number of carbon atoms, making Decane the appropriate choice for a structure with ten carbon atoms.