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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: [V] on October 29, 2011, 06:45:02 PM

Title: Name this alkane
Post by: [V] on October 29, 2011, 06:45:02 PM

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I thought the answer was B. Turns out it is "A". I don't really understand. Wouldn't we want to give the ethyls the lowest count? What rule am I missing here?

Title: Re: Name this alkane
Post by: Mitch on October 29, 2011, 11:09:06 PM

You can either start numbering from the methyl or the faraway ethyl. Rules state you start numbering from the one that has the closest substituent attached.