Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Trending News

Promoted
Seni
Seni asked in Science & MathematicsChemistry · 10 years ago

Why is there no compound called 3,6-dimethylheptane?

I'm doing chemistry homework, but I can't seem to figure this one out. Thanks.:)

3 Answers

Relevance
  • Anonymous
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Standard organic nomenclature would indicate that naming straight chain alkanes should be done by using the lowest possible number combination. In the case of 3,6-dimethylheptane, an alternate name would be created by starting the numbering at the opposite end of the 7 carbon chain. Thus yielding the name of 2,5-dimethylheptane. This is a better, and the correct name for that compound.

    Source(s): Organic Chemistry, Vollhardt B.S. Chemistry
  • nameless
    10 years ago

    when naming molecules u have to have the lowest numbering. 3,6 is not the lowest numbering scheme. draw it out then find the position of the methyl group

  • xezlec
    Lv 5
    10 years ago

    Try drawing it. Then see if you think that was a good name for it.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.