IUPAC name of `CH_(3)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)(CH)-CH_(2)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)(CH)-CH_3` is

Answer

To determine the IUPAC name of the given compound `CH₃-CH(CH₃)-CH₂-CH(CH₃)-CH₃`, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the longest carbon chain
The first step is to identify the longest continuous carbon chain in the structure. In this case, we can see that there are 5 carbon atoms in a straight chain.

### Step 2: Number the carbon chain
Next, we need to number the carbon chain. We can start numbering from either end, but we should choose the direction that gives the substituents the lowest possible numbers.

- If we number from the left (1 to 5), we get:
1. CH₃ (1)
2. CH (2)
3. CH₂ (3)
4. CH (4)
5. CH₃ (5)

- If we number from the right (5 to 1), we get:
1. CH₃ (5)
2. CH (4)
3. CH₂ (3)
4. CH (2)
5. CH₃ (1)

In this case, both methods give the same substituent positions.

### Step 3: Identify and name the substituents
Now, we need to identify the substituents on the carbon chain. The substituents are methyl groups (CH₃) located at positions 2 and 4 of the main carbon chain.

### Step 4: Combine the names
Now we can combine the names of the substituents and the main chain. The main chain is pentane (5 carbon atoms), and since there are two methyl groups at positions 2 and 4, we use the prefix "dimethyl".

### Step 5: Write the final IUPAC name
Putting it all together, the IUPAC name of the compound is:
**2,4-dimethylpentane**