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Quizzes > Science

Practice Naming Alkanes: 20-Question IUPAC Quiz

Quick alkane nomenclature practice with feedback. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Alisha MrowczynskiUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 10
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art promoting The Alkane Name Challenge, a quiz for naming alkanes in organic chemistry.

Use this quiz to practice naming alkanes with IUPAC rules and check your understanding. Answer 20 quick questions with instant feedback to review longest chain, lowest locants, and common prefixes before a test. For broader review, see the IUPAC organic nomenclature quiz, build skills with chemical nomenclature practice, or take a focused nomenclature practice quiz.

What is the general molecular formula for acyclic alkanes?
CnH2n-2
Cn+1H2n+2
CnH2n
CnH2n+2
The general formula for acyclic alkanes is CnH2n+2, reflecting that they are fully saturated hydrocarbons. This formula accounts for the maximum number of hydrogens attached to a chain of carbons with only single bonds.
What is the correct IUPAC name for CH4?
Methyl
Methane
Methanol
Ethane
CH4 is the simplest alkane and is named methane according to IUPAC nomenclature. It serves as the foundational example for naming alkanes.
Identify the alkane with three carbon atoms.
Ethane
Butane
Methane
Propane
An alkane with three carbon atoms is known as propane. This follows the naming convention where the prefix 'prop-' signifies three carbons.
Which alkane has the smallest number of carbon atoms?
Ethane
Methane
Butane
Propane
Methane, containing only one carbon atom, is the simplest and smallest alkane. It forms the basis for understanding the series of alkanes.
What is the correct IUPAC name for C2H6?
Methane
Ethanol
Ethene
Ethane
C2H6 corresponds to ethane, the second simplest alkane in the homologous series. Its name directly reflects the presence of two carbon atoms.
What is the IUPAC name for CH3CH(CH3)CH3?
2-Methylpropane
1-Methylpropane
Methylpropane
Isobutane
The structure CH3CH(CH3)CH3 is correctly named 2-methylpropane when numbered from the end that gives the substituent the lowest number. This naming follows standard IUPAC rules for branched alkanes.
Which straight-chain alkane has the molecular formula C5H12?
Pentane
Hexane
Propane
Butane
Pentane is the straight-chain alkane with five carbon atoms and the formula C5H12. This distinguishes it from other alkanes with different numbers of carbons.
What is the IUPAC name for CH3-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH3?
2,2-Dimethylbutane
3-Methylbutane
Isobutylmethane
2-Methylbutane
The molecule CH3-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH3 has a four-carbon main chain with a methyl substituent on the second carbon. Therefore, it is named 2-methylbutane according to IUPAC nomenclature.
For the alkane CH3-CH(CH3)-CH(CH3)-CH3, what is the correct IUPAC name?
2,2-Dimethylbutane
2-Methylbutane
2,3-Dimethylbutane
3,3-Dimethylbutane
The structure has two methyl substituents attached to a four-carbon chain, appearing on carbons 2 and 3 when numbered optimally. This leads to the name 2,3-dimethylbutane in accordance with the lowest locant rule.
What is the correct name for an alkane with a six”carbon chain and a methyl group attached to carbon 3?
2-Methylhexane
3-Methylhexane
Methylcyclohexane
3,3-Dimethylhexane
A six-carbon chain is known as hexane and with a single methyl group on carbon 3, the compound is properly named 3-methylhexane. Numbering is done to provide the lowest possible number for the substituent.
In CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2CH3, where is the methyl substituent located when numbered for the lowest set of locants?
3-Methylpentane
3-Ethylpentane
4-Methylpentane
2-Methylpentane
When numbering CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2CH3 to yield the lowest locant for the substituent, the methyl group is found on carbon 3. This makes the correct IUPAC name 3-methylpentane.
What is the IUPAC name for the compound CH3-CH2-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH3 when numbered correctly?
2,2-Dimethylpentane
4-Methylpentane
2-Methylpentane
3-Methylpentane
Although the methyl substituent could appear at different positions depending on the direction of numbering, using the lowest set of locants yields 2-methylpentane. This approach aligns with IUPAC's numbering rules.
Which naming rule ensures substituents are given the lowest possible numbers in an alkane?
Longest chain rule
Alphabetical precedence
Lowest locant rule
Molecular weight rule
The lowest locant rule is applied to assign substituents the smallest numbers possible when naming alkanes. This rule minimizes ambiguity and standardizes nomenclature.
What is the IUPAC name for the alkane with structure CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2CH(CH3)CH3 after applying the lowest locant rule?
3,5-Dimethylhexane
2,4-Dimethylhexane
2,5-Dimethylhexane
3,4-Dimethylhexane
When numbering the six-carbon chain, the methyl groups are best assigned to carbons 2 and 4 to achieve the lowest locants. This results in the name 2,4-dimethylhexane.
Which of the following alkanes is a constitutional isomer of n-hexane?
n-Octane
n-Heptane
2-Methylpentane
n-Pentane
2-Methylpentane has the same molecular formula (C6H14) as n-hexane but a different connectivity of atoms, making it a constitutional isomer. The other choices do not share the same carbon count or molecular structure.
In alkane nomenclature, what is the significance of selecting the longest continuous carbon chain?
It identifies the functional groups present
It defines the stereochemistry of the molecule
It indicates the number of substituents
It determines the base name of the alkane
The longest continuous carbon chain sets the root name for the alkane, forming the basis of its IUPAC name. It is essential for establishing the numbering and overall structure of the compound.
Which of the following represents the correct structure for 3-ethyl-2-methylhexane?
CH3CH2CH2CH(CH3)(C2H5)CH2CH3
CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH(C2H5)CH2CH3
CH3CH(CH3)CH(C2H5)CH2CH2CH3
CH3CH(C2H5)CH(CH3)CH2CH2CH3
Option (a) accurately depicts a hexane chain with a methyl group at carbon 2 and an ethyl group at carbon 3. This structure corresponds to the IUPAC name 3-ethyl-2-methylhexane.
What is the rule for ordering multiple different substituents in alkane nomenclature?
Substituents are listed by their molecular formula
Substituents are listed by their position on the chain
Substituents are listed by atomic weight
Substituents are listed in alphabetical order
In IUPAC nomenclature, when naming alkanes with multiple substituents, they are arranged in alphabetical order. This rule ensures consistency in how names are constructed regardless of substituent positions.
What is the IUPAC name for CH3C(CH3)2CH2CH3?
2,2-Dimethylbutane
2,3-Dimethylbutane
2-Methylbutane
3,3-Dimethylbutane
The molecule CH3C(CH3)2CH2CH3 has a four-carbon chain with two methyl groups on the second carbon. Thus, according to IUPAC rules, it is named 2,2-dimethylbutane.
For compounds with one substituent, what determines the numbering direction of the main chain?
The numbering is arbitrary
The numbering is based on the size of the substituent
The substituent gets the lowest possible number
The substituent gets the highest possible number
The main chain is numbered in such a way that the substituent receives the lowest possible number, which is a central rule in IUPAC nomenclature. This minimizes ambiguity and establishes a standard naming convention.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Apply IUPAC nomenclature rules to name alkane compounds accurately.
  2. Analyze molecular structures to identify the longest carbon chain.
  3. Interpret the relationship between structure and name in alkanes.
  4. Evaluate and verify the correctness of alkane names.

Alkane Naming Quiz - Practice & Review Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the IUPAC Naming System - Mastering the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) rules is your golden ticket to naming alkanes like a pro. Think of it as a universal language for organic compounds - get this right, and you'll never get lost in a molecular maze! Dive into IUPAC naming magic
  2. Identify the Longest Carbon Chain - The backbone of your alkane name comes from the longest continuous chain of carbons. Spotting this chain is like picking the main road in a city map - once chosen, everything else branches off neatly! Explore chain identification
  3. Number the Carbon Chain Correctly - Assign numbers to the main chain's carbons, starting closest to the first substituent for the lowest numbering. It's a bit like scoring lowest points in golf - the goal is to minimize those numbers! Correct numbering guide
  4. Recognize and Name Substituents - Substituents are the sidekicks to your main carbon chain, named by swapping "-ane" for "-yl." For instance, a -CH₃ group becomes a methyl hero swooping in! Substituent naming tips
  5. Apply Alphabetical Order to Substituents - When multiple side groups join the party, list them alphabetically (ignoring prefixes like di-/tri-). This keeps your names neat and predictable, no matter how wild the branches get! Alphabetical ordering rules
  6. Use Hyphens and Commas Appropriately - Hyphens hook numbers to letters and commas separate multiple numbers; think of hyphens as glue for clarity and commas as little pause signs. Example: 2,3-dimethylpentane clearly shows on which carbons the methyl groups sit. Punctuation in nomenclature
  7. Understand Common Alkyl Groups - Get to know methyl (-CH₃), ethyl (-C₂H₅), propyl (-C₃H₇), and the gang so you can spot and name branches in a flash. They're the building blocks of endless alkane adventures! Alkyl group cheat sheet
  8. Practice with Branched Alkanes - Level up by naming alkanes with multiple branches; start simple and increase the complexity step by step. Practice is the secret sauce to cement these rules in your brain! Branched alkane problems
  9. Learn the Prefixes for Carbon Chains - Flashcards away! Meth- (1C), eth- (2C), prop- (3C), but- (4C), etc., are the ABCs of alkane naming. Once you know these, you'll breeze through longer chains. Prefix memorization guide
  10. Utilize Mnemonics for Memorization - Mnemonics turn dry facts into catchy tunes. Try "Monkeys Eat Peanut Butter" for meth-, eth-, prop-, but-, or make up your own to stick names in memory! Mnemonic tips
    11. Memory trick inspiration
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