How many ethyl groups are in the molecule 3,3-diethylpentane?Question 3Select one:a.4 groupsb.2 groupsc.1 groupsd.3 groups

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the structure of 3,3-diethylpentane.
2. Determine the number of ethyl groups present in the molecule.

Relevant Concepts

• An ethyl group is represented as –C₂H₅.
• The name "3,3-diethylpentane" indicates the presence of ethyl groups located at the third carbon of the pentane chain.

Analysis and Detail

1. Understanding the base structure:

   • Pentane has five carbon atoms in a straight chain: C1 - C2 - C3 - C4 - C5.

2. Identifying the substituents:

   • The term "3,3-diethyl" means there are two ethyl groups attached to the third carbon of the pentane chain.

3. Counting Ethyl Groups:

   • Each ethyl group contributes one carbon atom. Since there are two ethyl groups at carbon 3, we count them directly.

Verify and Summarize

• There are no other substituents mentioned in the compound.
• Therefore, confirming the analysis, we find that there are indeed two ethyl groups.

Final Answer

The number of ethyl groups in the molecule 3,3-diethylpentane is b. 2 groups.