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Classify the underlined carbon atom: (CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₃.

a. Zero
b. Primary
c. Secondary
d. Tertiary
e. Quaternary

User Maayan
by
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1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The underlined carbon atom (CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₃ is a secondary carbon because it is bonded to two other carbon atoms.

option c is the correct

Step-by-step explanation:

To classify the underlined carbon atom in the molecular structure (CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₃, we need to determine the number of carbon atoms to which it is directly bonded. In this structure, the underlined carbon atom (₂CH₂) is bonded to two other carbon atoms: one from the CH₃ group and another from the CH₂ group.

Therefore, according to the definitions provided, a carbon atom with two single bonds with other carbon atoms is classified as a secondary carbon. The underlined carbon atom in this molecule is a secondary carbon because it is bonded to two other carbon atoms and not three or four, which would make it tertiary or quaternary, respectively.

User Shahab Qureshi
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