Draw the structure of 4-isopropyl-2,4,5-trimethylheptane

Draw the structure of 4-isopropyl-2,4,5-trimethylheptane

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

The structure shown in the image is incorrect for 4-isopropyl-2,4,5-trimethylheptane.


Correct Structure Explanation:

Let’s break down the name 4-isopropyl-2,4,5-trimethylheptane step by step:


1. Parent Chain: Heptane

  • The base chain is heptane, which has 7 carbon atoms in a straight chain.

2. Substituents:

  • Methyl groups are at positions 2, 4, and 5.
  • An isopropyl group is at position 4.

Note: Since both a methyl and an isopropyl are on carbon 4, this carbon will have three bonds to carbon atoms (one to the main chain and two to substituents).


3. Step-by-step structure building:

  • Carbon 1 to 7 form the main heptane chain.
  • Carbon 2 gets a methyl group.
  • Carbon 4 gets both a methyl and an isopropyl group.
  • Carbon 5 gets another methyl group.

So, the structure should look like this:

         CH3
          |
CH3–CH–CH2–C(CH3)(CH(CH3)2)–CH(CH3)–CH2–CH3
       |       |        |            |
     C2    C3     C4       C5      C6    C7

Why the Image is Incorrect:

In the image:

  • The main chain is only 6 carbon atoms long, not 7.
  • The isopropyl group appears to be incorrectly positioned.
  • Carbon branching doesn’t reflect three substituents (two methyls and one isopropyl) at C4.

✔️ Summary:

Correct IUPAC Structure:

  • Main chain: 7 carbon atoms (heptane)
  • Substituents:
    • Methyl on C2
    • Methyl and isopropyl on C4
    • Methyl on C5

This ensures 4-isopropyl-2,4,5-trimethylheptane is accurately represented.

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