Provide an example of a branched chain alkane and its name.

Example: 2-methylbutane is a branched chain alkane.

Branched chain alkanes are hydrocarbons with a carbon backbone that has one or more branches. These branches can be either methyl (CH3) or ethyl (C2H5) groups. The presence of branches in the carbon chain affects the physical properties of the compound, such as boiling point and solubility.

An example of a branched chain alkane is 2-methylbutane. This compound has a four-carbon chain with a methyl group attached to the second carbon atom. The name of this compound follows the IUPAC nomenclature system, which involves identifying the longest continuous carbon chain and naming the substituents attached to it. In this case, the longest continuous chain is four carbons, so the parent name is butane. The methyl group attached to the second carbon is indicated by the prefix "2-methyl." Therefore, the complete name of this compound is 2-methylbutane.

Branched chain alkanes are commonly found in petroleum and natural gas, and are used as fuels and solvents. They are also important in the production of polymers and other industrial chemicals. Understanding the properties and nomenclature of branched chain alkanes is important in the study of organic chemistry.

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