In the compound `H_3C-undersetunderset(OH)(|)CH-CH_2-CH_2-undersetunderset(OH)(|)CH-undersetunderset(C_2H_5)(|)CH-CH_3` how many carbon atoms present in the parent chain ?

Answer

To determine the number of carbon atoms present in the parent chain of the given compound, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure**: The compound is represented as `H3C-CH(OH)-CH2-CH2-CH(OH)-CH(C2H5)-CH-CH3`. We need to visualize or draw this structure to identify the carbon chain.

2. **Draw the Carbon Backbone**: Start by sketching the carbon atoms in the order they are connected. The structure can be broken down as follows:
- Start with the first carbon (CH3).
- The second carbon has an OH group attached (CH(OH)).
- The next two carbon atoms are CH2 groups (CH2-CH2).
- The fifth carbon has another OH group attached (CH(OH)).
- The sixth carbon is connected to an ethyl group (C2H5) and is followed by another carbon (CH).
- Finally, the last carbon is a CH3 group.

3. **Count the Carbon Atoms**: Now, we will count all the carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain:
- CH3 (1)
- CH (2)
- CH2 (3)
- CH2 (4)
- CH (5)
- CH (6)
- CH2 (from C2H5, which is CH2) (7)
- CH3 (8)

4. **Total Count**: After counting all the carbon atoms in the longest chain, we find that there are a total of 8 carbon atoms.

### Final Answer:
The number of carbon atoms present in the parent chain is **8**.

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