Write the structural formula of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question e - 2001

The structural formula of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane can be drawn by first understanding that it has a pentane backbone with methyl groups substituted at the 2nd and 4th carbon atoms.

The linear structure of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane can be represented as follows:

         CH3
          |
    CH3-C-CH-CH2-CH3
          |    
         CH3

In this diagram:

• The main chain is a five-carbon pentane.
• The branching occurs at the second and fourth carbons, where methyl groups (CH3) are attached.
• This arrangement corresponds to the IUPAC name 2,2,4-trimethylpentane.