Question

How would you draw an alkane that has more than 3 but less than 10 carbon atoms and only primary hydrogens?

Answer 1

You would have to draw a structure that has only carbon atoms and methyl groups.

Explanation:

A primary hydrogen is a hydrogen on a carbon attached to only ONE other carbon, i.e., a hydrogen atom of a methyl group.

Two alkanes meet the criteria.

One carbon atom + four methyl groups

This gives 2,2-dimethylpropane (five carbon atoms).

Two carbon atoms + six methyl groups

This gives 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane (eight carbon atoms).