Question

What is the IUPAC name for the compound (CH3)3CCH2Cl?

(a) 1-Chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane

(b) 1-Chloro-2,2,2-trimethylethane

(c) 2-Chloromethyl-2-methylpropane

(d) 2,2-Dimethly-1-Bromopropane

The question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question originated from Haloalkanes Nomenclature in division Haloalkanes and Haloarenes of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) 1-Chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane

To elaborate: There are two different possible chains that consists of maximum 3 C atoms. One of them has two methyl and one chloro group and the other has one methyl and one complex substituent. The preference is given to the former with the chloro at C-1 and the 2 methyl groups at C-2.