Question

How do you draw the skeleton diagram for 2,3,4-trimethylpentane?

Answer 1

To draw the skeleton diagram for 2,3,4-trimethylpentane, also known as isooctane, you start by understanding its molecular formula, C8H18. Here's how you can construct the skeleton diagram:

1. Start with a chain of five carbon atoms, representing the pentane portion of the molecule.

   C - C - C - C - C

2. Assign the first carbon at one end of the chain as the main chain carbon.

   C - C - C - C - C

3. Number the carbon atoms in the main chain consecutively, starting from the end nearest to the first branch.

   2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

4. Add the branches to the appropriate carbon positions based on the given name. In this case, it is 2,3,4-trimethylpentane, which means there are three methyl (CH3) groups attached to the second, third, and fourth carbon atoms.

   C(CH3)3 - C - C(CH3)3 - C - C

5. Complete the structure by adding hydrogen (H) atoms to fulfill each carbon's valency.

   H H H H H | | | | | C(CH3)3 - C - C(CH3)3 - C - C | | | | | H H H H H

This representation shows the skeletal structure of 2,3,4-trimethylpentane, with the main carbon chain and the three methyl groups attached to specific carbon atoms.