Isobutane is also called by several other names. It is commonly known as i-butane, 2-methylpropane, or simply methylpropane.
Here's a breakdown of these names:
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i-butane: This is a shorthand way to refer to isobutane, emphasizing its isomeric form compared to normal butane.
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2-methylpropane: This name comes from the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature. It describes the isobutane molecule's structure: a propane chain with a methyl (CH3) group attached to the second carbon.
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Methylpropane: This is a simplified name that also describes the isobutane molecule as a propane molecule with a methyl group attached.
| Common Name | Chemical Formula | IUPAC Name |
|---|---|---|
| Isobutane | HC(CH3)3 | 2-methylpropane |
| i-butane | HC(CH3)3 | 2-methylpropane |
| methylpropane | HC(CH3)3 | 2-methylpropane |
All these names describe the same chemical compound, which is isobutane. Knowing these names helps in recognizing the compound in different contexts.
