What is the IUPAC systematic name for the organic compound with formula CH₃–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–CHO?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 3-methylbutanal

  1. Step 1: Identify the principal functional group: aldehyde (-CHO), which takes carbon 1 (C1).
  2. Step 2: Number the 4-carbon parent chain: C1 is -CHO, C2 is -CH₂-, C3 has a methyl substituent (-CH(CH₃)-), C4 is -CH₃. The IUPAC name is 3-methylbutanal.
Answer
3-methylbutanal.
Why not the others: 2-methylbutanal numbers from the wrong end; 3-methylbutanone is a ketone; pentanal lacks the methyl branch.

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