Question

The second carbon of 2,2-dimethylbutane is classified as: Options: Option 1: Primary (1°) Option 2: Secondary (2°) Option 3: Tertiary (3°) Option 4: Quaternary (4°)

Answer 1

The second carbon in 2,2-dimethylbutane is attached to four other carbon atoms, making it a quaternary carbon, classified as Option 4: Quaternary (4°).

Step-by-step explanation:

The classification of carbon atoms in organic compounds is based on the number of other carbons they are connected to directly. In 2,2-dimethylbutane, the second carbon atom is connected to four other carbon atoms, as follows:

• It connects to one carbon atom from the main chain.
• It is bonded to three other carbon atoms, each one belonging to a methyl group (-CH3).

Since this carbon is attached to four other carbon atoms, it is classified as a quaternary carbon (4°). Thus, the correct option for the classification of the second carbon in 2,2-dimethylbutane is Option 4: Quaternary (4°).

Answer 2

The correct option is:

Option 3: Tertiary (3°)

To classify the second carbon of 2,2-dimethylbutane, we should look at the number of carbon-containing groups attached to it. Here are the steps to determine the classification:

1. Identify the Carbon in Question: First, we need to locate the second carbon in the chain of 2,2-dimethylbutane. In organic chemistry, carbons are numbered starting from the end closest to a substituent. The prefix "2,2-" tells us that there are substituents on the second carbon atom.

2. Count the Carbon-Containing Groups Attached: We then count the number of carbon-containing groups (alkyl groups or carbon atoms) that are directly attached to the second carbon atom.

3. Classify the Carbon: The classification is based on this count:

- Primary (1°): A carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon atom.

- Secondary (2°): A carbon atom bonded to two other carbon atoms.

- Tertiary (3°): A carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms.

- Quaternary (4°): A carbon atom bonded to four other carbon atoms.

For 2,2-dimethylbutane, the second carbon is the one with the two methyl groups attached to it. This means it is bonded to three other carbon atoms: the two methyl groups and the carbon atom that continues the main chain. Therefore, it is classified as a tertiary (3°) carbon.