Give the systematic name of (a) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{3}\); (b) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{3}\); (c) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{3}\); (d) \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2} \mathrm{CHCH}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2}\).

Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds, which include not only hydrocarbons but also compounds with any number of other elements, including hydrogen (most compounds contain at least one carbon-hydrogen bond), nitrogen, oxygen, halogens, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur.

This branch of chemistry was originally limited to compounds produced by living organisms but has been broadened to include human-made substances such as plastics. The range of application of organic compounds is enormous and also includes, but is not limited to, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food, explosives, paints, and cosmetics.

Chemical nomenclature is a set of rules to generate systematic names for chemical compounds. The nomenclature used by chemists not only conveys the elements present in a compound but also the proportions and arrangement of these elements. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) establishes the rules for naming, ensuring that each compound has a unique clear name and that every name refers to a single structure.

IUPAC nomenclature is used for the naming of organic and inorganic compounds. For organic chemicals, it helps in identifying the molecule structure by giving details such as the length of the carbon chain, the functional groups attached, and the position of double or triple bonds if present.

Hydrocarbon naming follows a systematic method to ensure consistency and clarity in chemical communication. For naming hydrocarbons, IUPAC nomenclature takes into account the number of carbon atoms, the type of bonds between the atoms, and the presence of any functional groups.

Step-by-Step Hydrocarbon Naming Process

• Identify the parent chain: The longest continuous chain of carbon atoms gives the base of the compound's name.
• Determine the root name: The number of carbons in the chain dictates the root name. For example, one carbon is 'meth-', two is 'eth-', and so on.
• Identify substituents: Any branches or groups attached to the main chain are called substituents, and they are named according to their structure.
• Assign position numbers: The carbon atoms in the main chain are numbered from the end nearest a substituent to give the lowest possible numbers to the substituents.
• Assemble the name: The final name combines the substituents (with their position numbers) and the parent hydrocarbon name. Use prefixes like 'di-', 'tri-', 'tetra-', etc., if there are multiple identical substituents.